Sumter County Disaster Risk
Sumter County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sumter County, Georgia
Sumter's risk ranks above average nationally
Sumter County scores 53.18 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but running significantly higher than Georgia's state average of 39.49. This places the county in elevated risk territory compared to most U.S. counties, driven primarily by hurricane and tornado exposure.
Among Georgia's riskier counties
Sumter ranks in the upper half of Georgia's 159 counties for overall disaster risk. With a composite score 35% above the state average, it faces notably higher natural hazard exposure than most neighboring counties in central Georgia.
Sumter faces steeper odds than neighbors
Sumter's 53.18 composite risk score substantially exceeds adjacent Talbot County (2.86) and Taylor County (10.15), making it one of the region's highest-risk areas. Only Tattnall County to the east approaches Sumter's risk profile with a score of 68.38.
Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate hazard profile
Hurricane risk reaches 80.93 in Sumter—well above the state average—while tornado risk sits at 65.43, creating a compound seasonal threat from Atlantic storms and spring severe weather. Wildfire exposure (64.50) and earthquake risk (63.96) also exceed state norms, though hurricanes pose the most imminent threat during Atlantic basin season.
Hurricane and wind coverage are essential
Sumter residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and wind damage coverage, given the county's 80.93 hurricane risk score. Consider flood insurance as a separate policy, since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage—critical protection for a county where 53.50 flood risk is nearly double the state average.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sumter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sumter County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Sumter County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 53th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Sumter County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sumter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (65th percentile), earthquake (64th percentile), flood (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 81th percentile nationally makes Sumter County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Sumter County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Sumter County's tornado 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. Sumter County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Sumter County is 13.7 composite risk points above the Georgia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Sumter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sumter County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Sumter County?
How does Sumter County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Sumter County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sumter 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.