Gordon County Disaster Risk
Gordon County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gordon County, Georgia
Gordon County faces moderate hazard risks
Gordon County's composite risk score of 67.21 exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating within Georgia's broader context. The county faces meaningful exposure across several disaster types, though not at the severity levels seen in state leaders like Fulton County.
Above average risk for Georgia
Gordon County's score of 67.21 surpasses Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's at-risk counties. This above-average exposure reflects the county's location in north Georgia's hazard-prone foothills and mountains.
Comparable to nearby Gilmer County
Gordon County (67.21) and adjacent Gilmer County (68.10) face nearly identical composite disaster risks, suggesting shared vulnerability patterns across this region. Both counties warrant similar preparedness approaches tailored to foothills and mountain hazard profiles.
Tornadoes and earthquakes top the list
Gordon County's tornado risk scores 76.97, making severe thunderstorm preparedness essential, while earthquake risk reaches 79.39 reflecting regional seismic potential. Flood risk at 62.05 rounds out the three primary hazards affecting the county.
Tornado and earthquake coverage vital
Gordon County residents should add tornado/windstorm and earthquake riders to standard homeowners policies, as these hazards drive the county's above-average risk profile. Families living in mobile homes or older structures should prioritize safe-room installation or relocation to safer housing in this tornado-prone zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gordon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gordon County
Risk Verdict
Gordon County's FEMA risk score places it at the 67th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Gordon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (62th percentile), hurricane (59th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 79th percentile nationally, Gordon County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's tornado risk at the 77th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Gordon County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Georgia county average is 27.7 composite points below Gordon County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Gordon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gordon County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Gordon County?
How does Gordon County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Gordon County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gordon 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.