Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% 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 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Georgia
Union County faces moderate disaster risk
Union County's composite risk score of 52.48 ranks in the relatively low category but exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49. This north-Georgia mountain county experiences elevated natural hazard exposure compared to most of the state.
Mid-to-upper range among Georgia counties
Union County ranks above the state median for composite hazard risk among Georgia's 159 counties, placing it in the higher-risk half. Its 52.48 score reflects consistent above-average threats, particularly from wildfire and flood exposure.
Riskier than Towns County, safer than Troup
Union County's 52.48 score falls between nearby Towns County (39.60) and Troup County (59.92), positioning it as a moderate-risk area in the Georgia mountains. Its wildfire and flood scores notably exceed those of lower-elevation counties.
Wildfire and flooding are dual threats
Wildfire risk reaches 71.88 and flood risk 58.68—both well above state averages and reflecting Union County's mountain geography and forest coverage. Tornado risk (63.17) also poses a notable secondary threat to residents and property.
Flood and wildfire coverage essential
Union County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 58.68 flood risk and consider wildfire coverage options for the 71.88 wildfire score. These two hazards pose the greatest financial threats and require protection beyond standard homeowners policies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
At the 52th percentile nationally, Union County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Union County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (63th percentile), flood (59th percentile), hurricane (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Union County's primary hazard at the 72th percentile nationally. For Union County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Union County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Union County falls 13.0 points above Georgia's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Union County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Union 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.