Gilmer County Disaster Risk
Gilmer County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gilmer County, Georgia
Gilmer County faces moderate hazard exposure
Gilmer County's composite risk score of 68.10 exceeds the national average and carries a "Relatively Low" rating within its state context. While not in the highest-risk category, the county still faces meaningful exposure to multiple disaster types requiring awareness and preparation.
Below-average risk for Georgia
Gilmer County's score of 68.10 sits notably above Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's at-risk counties. This above-average exposure distinguishes Gilmer from safer Georgia counties but positions it better than the state's most hazard-prone regions.
Riskier than neighboring Gordon County
Gilmer County (68.10) faces measurably higher disaster risk than adjacent Gordon County (67.21), though the two counties share similar vulnerability patterns across northern Georgia. Both warrant elevation-appropriate preparedness strategies reflecting their foothill and mountain exposure.
Floods and wildfires pose key threats
Gilmer County's flood risk of 75.32 and wildfire risk of 71.28 represent the two most serious natural hazard exposures. Tornado risk also scores notably at 75.25, rounding out a three-hazard vulnerability profile common to Georgia's mountain counties.
Flood and fire coverage matters most
Gilmer County residents in flood-prone valleys and near streams should secure flood insurance, while those in wildland-interface areas need homeowners policies covering wildfire damage and defensible-space maintenance. Review evacuation routes annually and maintain 100-foot defensible space around structures in fire-prone zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gilmer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gilmer County
Risk Verdict
At the 68th percentile nationally, Gilmer County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Gilmer County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Gilmer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (72th percentile), wildfire (71th percentile), hurricane (60th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Gilmer County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 75th percentile nationally, means Gilmer County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Gilmer County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Gilmer County falls 28.6 points above Georgia's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Gilmer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gilmer County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Gilmer County?
How does Gilmer County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Gilmer County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gilmer 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.