riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Dade County Disaster Risk

Dade County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

33th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#85

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

37th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 56% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dade County, Georgia

Dade's disaster risk stays well below average

Dade County scores 33.21 on composite risk, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most U.S. counties, though residents should still prepare for the hazards that do occur locally.

Safer than Georgia overall

At 33.21, Dade ranks well below Georgia's statewide average of 39.49, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects the county's geographic position and terrain relative to major hazard zones across Georgia.

Neighborhood risk varies significantly

Dade's neighbors include Dawson County (21.88, Very Low) to the east and DeKalb County (94.27, Relatively Moderate) to the south—a dramatic range showing how local geography shapes disaster exposure. Even within northwest Georgia, risk profiles shift sharply county to county.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose biggest threats

Dade's tornado risk scores 74.05, its highest hazard, while earthquake risk reaches 56.39—both driven by the county's position near the Cumberland Plateau. Flood risk (37.34) and hurricane risk (38.13) remain secondary concerns, though neither should be ignored.

Secure your property against severe weather

Dade residents should prioritize tornado and wind coverage in their homeowners or renters policies, and consider reinforcing safe rooms or basements. A conversation with your insurance agent about earthquake coverage and flood risk—even at lower probability—can protect your investment in this relatively safe county.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dade County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    74th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    56th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    50th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Dade County

Risk Verdict

Dade County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 33th percentile nationally. Residents of Dade County can use the 33th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Dade County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (50th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), flood (37th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Dade County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. For Dade County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 56th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Dade County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Dade County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

The Georgia county average exceeds Dade County's score by 6.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Dade County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Dade County, GA?
Dade County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 33th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Dade County?
Dade County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (74th percentile), earthquake (56th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), flooding (37th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 74th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Dade County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Dade County's composite risk percentile is 33th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Dade County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Dade County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Dade County's tornado risk is at the 74th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Dade County is at the 37th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Dade County a safe place to live?
Dade County's composite risk score of 33th percentile is below the Georgia state average of 40th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 74th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Franklin County

Georgia

-0.1

Very Low

33th percentile

Stephens County

Georgia

+0.2

Very Low

33th percentile

Macon County

Georgia

-1.1

Very Low

32th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

Explore more data for Dade County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score