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

McDuffie County Disaster Risk

McDuffie County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

25th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#98

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in McDuffie County, Georgia

McDuffie's risk is well below average

McDuffie County scores 24.97 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting significantly below the national average. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most communities across the United States.

Among Georgia's safest counties

McDuffie ranks favorably within Georgia, with a composite score of 24.97 compared to the state average of 39.49. You're in one of the state's lower-risk communities when it comes to natural hazards overall.

Safer than surrounding counties

McDuffie's score of 24.97 edges out nearby Meriwether County (19.21) and Morgan County (19.37), but sits higher than Monroe County (18.70). Your risk profile is comparable to rural north-central Georgia, with moderate exposure to multiple hazard types but no dominant threat.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Earthquake risk (64.69) and tornado risk (59.96) represent your two highest hazard scores, though both remain modest in absolute terms. Wildfire risk at 59.96 rounds out your top three, while flood and hurricane risks stay well below 30 and 66 respectively.

Essential coverage for your peace of mind

Standard homeowners insurance covers tornadoes but typically excludes earthquakes and floods—consider separate policies given your moderate earthquake and tornado scores. Review your coverage annually and maintain emergency supplies for severe weather events.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in McDuffie County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    65th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    65th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    60th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: McDuffie County

Risk Verdict

McDuffie County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 25th percentile nationally. At the 25th percentile nationally, McDuffie County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is McDuffie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (60th percentile), tornado (60th percentile), flood (28th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 65th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, McDuffie County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. McDuffie County's earthquake exposure at the 65th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. McDuffie County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

McDuffie County falls 14.5 points below Georgia's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for McDuffie 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 McDuffie County, GA?
McDuffie County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 25th 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 McDuffie County?
McDuffie County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (65th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile), wildfire (60th percentile), tornado (60th percentile), flooding (28th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 65th 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 McDuffie County risk compare to the Georgia average?
McDuffie County's composite risk percentile is 25th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means McDuffie County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is McDuffie County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, McDuffie County's hurricane risk is at the 65th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, McDuffie County is at the 28th 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 McDuffie County a safe place to live?
McDuffie County's composite risk score of 25th 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 hurricane at the 65th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Ben Hill County

Georgia

+0.4

Very Low

25th percentile

Bleckley County

Georgia

+0.7

Very Low

26th percentile

Jefferson County

Georgia

+0.9

Very Low

26th 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.

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