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

Towns County Disaster Risk

Towns County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

40th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#75

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

54th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Towns County, Georgia

Towns County enjoys balanced, low risk

With a composite risk score of 39.60, Towns County falls into the very low category and sits virtually at Georgia's state average of 39.49. This mountain-region county benefits from geography that reduces exposure to some major disaster types.

Georgia's most balanced county profile

Towns County ranks among the safest in Georgia by composite risk, with no single hazard dominating its threat profile. Its northern Appalachian location provides natural insulation from hurricanes and some severe weather patterns.

Comparable to Union County, safer overall

Towns County's 39.60 score sits well below Union County's 52.48, making it notably safer than its mountain neighbor. The county's balanced hazard exposure mirrors other high-elevation Georgia regions with similar geographic protections.

Flooding presents the primary concern

Flood risk reaches 53.56, the highest hazard score in Towns County, reflecting its mountainous terrain and stream systems. Tornado and wildfire risks remain moderate at 48.12 and 53.75, while hurricane exposure is minimal at 49.98.

Flood insurance deserves your attention

Towns County's 53.56 flood score makes flood insurance a smart investment, especially for properties near streams or in flood-prone elevations. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making this supplemental coverage critical for comprehensive protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Towns County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    54th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    54th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    50th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Towns County

Risk Verdict

At the 40th percentile nationally, Towns County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Towns County residents can take confidence from a 40th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Towns County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (50th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), earthquake (48th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Towns County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Towns County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 54th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Towns County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.

Regional Context

The county's composite score diverges by only 0.1 points from the Georgia average, making Towns County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.

Is your household prepared for Towns 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 Towns County, GA?
Towns County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 40th 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 Towns County?
Towns County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (54th percentile), flooding (54th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), earthquake (48th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 54th 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 Towns County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Towns County's composite risk percentile is 40th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Towns County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Towns County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Towns County's wildfire risk is at the 54th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Towns County is at the 54th 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.
Why is Towns County higher risk than average?
Towns County's composite risk score of 40th percentile is above the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by wildfire exposure (54th percentile), along with flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.