Decatur County Disaster Risk
Decatur County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Decatur County, Georgia
Decatur faces elevated national disaster risk
Decatur County scores 75.86 on composite risk, nearly double the national average and placing it in the Relatively Low category. The county's location in southwest Georgia and proximity to coastal weather patterns creates above-average exposure to multiple hazard types.
Among Georgia's riskier counties
Decatur's 75.86 score significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking the county in the upper tier of Georgia risk. This elevated position reflects the county's vulnerability to hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
Riskiest county in its immediate area
Decatur stands out among southwest Georgia neighbors, scoring substantially higher than Dodge County (44.75) and Dooly County (14.95) to the north. The county's coastal proximity and relative flatness distinguish it from neighboring inland counties.
Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate the threat picture
Hurricane risk reaches 90.53—Decatur's highest hazard and among the highest in the state—while tornado risk scores 80.82. Flood risk (76.97) rounds out the major threats, making Decatur vulnerable to multiple severe weather events.
Comprehensive coverage is essential for Decatur
Decatur residents must carry robust homeowners insurance with hurricane, tornado, and wind coverage, and should carefully evaluate flood insurance given the 76.97 flood risk score. Securing window protection, roof reinforcement, and backup power systems offers practical protection against the county's primary hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Decatur County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Decatur County
Risk Verdict
Decatur County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Decatur County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Decatur County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (77th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 91th percentile nationally, Decatur County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Decatur County's tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Decatur County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The Georgia county average is 36.4 composite points below Decatur County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Decatur County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Decatur County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Decatur County?
How does Decatur County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Decatur County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Decatur County higher risk than average?
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.