Harris County Disaster Risk
Harris County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#106
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harris County, Georgia
Harris County: Lowest Risk in Group
Harris County scores just 20.77 on the composite risk index, placing it in the very low-risk category and well below the national average. The county demonstrates minimal exposure across all major natural disaster hazards.
Second-Safest in Georgia
Harris ranks among Georgia's lowest-risk counties with a score of 20.77, exceeded only by Hancock (11.86) and far below the state average of 39.49. The county represents one of Georgia's safest natural disaster environments.
Safest in Immediate Region
Harris's score of 20.77 is lower than all nearby counties except Hancock (11.86), significantly safer than Haralson (27.61), Greene (37.25), and far below Grady (52.99). It anchors the region's safest corner.
Hurricane Risk Highest, Still Modest
Harris's most elevated hazard is hurricane risk at 64.71, still well below state and national norms for that threat. Tornado and flood risks are both below 40, creating a truly low-hazard county profile.
Basic Insurance Covers Harris Homes
Harris County's exceptionally low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection without specialized add-ons. Maintain annual policy reviews as a responsible practice, but expensive disaster coverage is not necessary here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harris County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harris County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Harris County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 21th percentile. A 21th percentile score positions Harris County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Harris County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (41th percentile), flood (40th percentile), tornado (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 65th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Harris County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Wildfire at the 49th percentile nationally is Harris County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Harris County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Harris County is 18.7 composite risk points below the Georgia state mean, meaning most other Georgia counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Harris County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harris County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Harris County?
How does Harris County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Harris County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Harris County a safe place to live?
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.