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

Stewart County Disaster Risk

Stewart County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

6th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#147

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

9th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Stewart County, Georgia

Stewart County ranks among safest nationally

Stewart County's composite risk score of just 5.85 places it in the nation's lowest tier for natural disaster exposure, with a very low risk rating across almost all hazard types. This exceptional safety reflects minimal exposure to the full range of natural hazards.

Georgia's second-safest county

Stewart County's score of 5.85 ranks it among Georgia's most protected areas, standing dramatically below the state average of 39.49. Only a handful of Georgia counties rival its level of safety from natural disasters.

Standout refuge from Georgia's hazard profile

Stewart County's minimal composite risk distinguishes it sharply from surrounding areas, making it an exceptional sanctuary from the state's typical disaster pressures. Even its highest-scoring hazard categories remain moderate relative to statewide exposure.

Hurricane exposure is primary consideration

Stewart County's only noteworthy natural hazard concern is hurricane risk at 60.49, reflecting residual Gulf Coast storm potential. All other hazard categories—flood, tornado, earthquake, and wildfire—remain exceptionally low.

Minimal preparations needed for safety

Stewart County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides comprehensive household protection for most residents. During hurricane season, basic storm awareness and a family communication plan complete practical preparedness for the county's minimal hazard exposure.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Stewart County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    60th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    44th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    44th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Stewart County

Risk Verdict

Stewart County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 6th percentile nationally. Stewart County's 6th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Stewart County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (44th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), flood (9th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 60th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Stewart 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. Tornado at the 44th percentile nationally is Stewart County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Stewart County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Stewart County falls 33.6 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 Stewart 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 Stewart County, GA?
Stewart County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 6th 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 Stewart County?
Stewart County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (60th percentile), tornado (44th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), flooding (9th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 60th 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 Stewart County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Stewart County's composite risk percentile is 6th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Stewart County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Stewart County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Stewart County's hurricane risk is at the 60th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Stewart County is at the 9th 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 Stewart County a safe place to live?
Stewart County's composite risk score of 6th 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 60th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Lincoln County

Georgia

-0.3

Very Low

6th percentile

Warren County

Georgia

-0.5

Very Low

5th percentile

Wheeler County

Georgia

+0.6

Very Low

6th 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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