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

Turner County Disaster Risk

Turner County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

17th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#118

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

8th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 8% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Turner County, Georgia

Turner County enjoys very low overall risk

Turner County's composite risk score of 16.60 falls well into the very low category, significantly below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This south-Georgia county benefits from geographic and climatic factors that limit disaster exposure.

Among Georgia's safest counties

Turner County ranks in the lower tier of Georgia's 159 counties by composite risk, placing it among the state's most protected regions. Its 16.60 score reflects consistently low threat levels across nearly all major hazard categories.

Safest in south Georgia region

Turner County's 16.60 score significantly beats nearby Tift County (56.01) and Toombs County (42.65), making it the standout safe haven in its region. This favorable position protects residents from the elevated risks experienced in surrounding counties.

Hurricane exposure is the main concern

Hurricane risk reaches 76.30—the only significant hazard facing Turner County residents, while flood (8.33) and tornado (49.43) risks remain among Georgia's lowest. The hurricane score reflects the county's southern location, though other threats remain minimal.

Windstorm coverage completes your safety

Turner County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid basic protection, but windstorm coverage is wise given the 76.30 hurricane score. This targeted add-on addresses the county's primary natural hazard without requiring extensive supplemental policies.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Turner County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    76th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    49th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    43th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Turner County

Risk Verdict

Turner County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 17th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 17th percentile nationally is an advantage for Turner County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Turner County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile), flood (8th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 76th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Turner 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, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 49th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Turner County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Turner County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Turner County falls 22.9 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 Turner 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 Turner County, GA?
Turner County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 17th 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 Turner County?
Turner County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (76th percentile), tornado (49th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile), flooding (8th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 76th 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 Turner County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Turner County's composite risk percentile is 17th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Turner County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Turner County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Turner County's hurricane risk is at the 76th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Turner County is at the 8th 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 Turner County a safe place to live?
Turner County's composite risk score of 17th 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 76th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.