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

Pike County Disaster Risk

Pike County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

8th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#139

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

20th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Pike County, Georgia

Pike County Is Among Safest

Pike County's composite risk score of 8.05 places it in the Very Low category nationally, significantly outperforming the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This county ranks among the safest locations in America for multi-hazard risk.

Georgia's Safest County

Pike County scores 8.05 compared to Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's most protected counties from natural hazards. The county's low-risk profile reflects its geography and distance from high-hazard zones.

Surrounded by Lower-Risk Counties

Pike County's 8.05 score ties it with Quitman County (8.33) as Georgia's lowest-risk counties, both significantly safer than nearby Putnam County (53.31) and Rabun County (45.29). This advantageous positioning makes Pike County a particularly resilient location.

Pike's Manageable Hazard Exposure

Hurricane risk (50.23) represents Pike County's largest single hazard concern, though all risk categories remain in the low range. Even tornado risk (29.74) and wildfire risk (33.65) stay well below state averages.

Smart Coverage for Pike County

While Pike County's overall risk is low, homeowners should still carry hurricane coverage given its 50.23 hurricane risk rating and distance from coastal protections. Standard homeowners policies provide a strong baseline here; check for any exclusions in your plan.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Pike County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    50th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    40th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    34th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Pike County

Risk Verdict

Pike County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 8th percentile nationally. The 8th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pike County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Pike County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (34th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), flood (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 50th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Pike 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. Pike County's earthquake exposure at the 40th 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. Pike County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Pike County falls 31.4 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 Pike 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 Pike County, GA?
Pike County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 8th 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 Pike County?
Pike County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (50th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), flooding (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 50th 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 Pike County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Pike County's composite risk percentile is 8th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Pike County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Pike County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Pike County's hurricane risk is at the 50th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Pike County is at the 20th 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 Pike County a safe place to live?
Pike County's composite risk score of 8th 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 50th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Jasper County

Georgia

+0.0

Very Low

8th percentile

Long County

Georgia

-0.0

Very Low

8th percentile

Oglethorpe County

Georgia

+0.1

Very Low

8th 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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