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

Washington County Disaster Risk

Washington County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

24th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#99

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% 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

Very Low

Higher than 36% 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 74% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Georgia

Washington County: Low Disaster Risk

Washington County's composite risk score of 23.76 places it in the Very Low category and well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces substantially lower natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Georgia's Safer Counties

Washington County ranks among Georgia's safest counties with a composite score of 23.76, roughly 40% of the state average. This protective standing reflects its inland east-central location, away from major tornado corridors and coastal storm impacts.

Safer Than Regional Counterparts

Washington County's 23.76 score compares favorably to nearby Hancock County (18.9) and Baldwin County (26.4), positioning it as one of the safer areas in central Georgia. The county benefits from distance from both the tornado-prone northwest and hurricane-susceptible southeast regions.

Hurricane and Wildfire Exposures

Washington County's two highest risk scores are hurricane (73.72) and wildfire (53.82), though both remain well below state averages in terms of actual frequency. Flooding (26.21), tornadoes (36.23), and earthquakes (64.31) pose lower threats to residents and property.

Basic Coverage Meets Most Needs

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Washington County residents given the county's low composite risk profile. Ensure coverage includes wind protection and maintain a property inventory; flood insurance is advisable only for properties in mapped flood zones.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Washington County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    74th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    64th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    54th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Washington County

Risk Verdict

Washington County's overall natural disaster score at the 24th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Washington County can use the 24th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (54th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), flood (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane exposure at the 74th percentile nationally makes Washington County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Washington County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Washington County's earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Washington 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

Washington County's composite risk score sits 15.7 points below the Georgia county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Washington 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 Washington County, GA?
Washington County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 24th 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 Washington County?
Washington County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (74th percentile), earthquake (64th percentile), wildfire (54th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), flooding (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 74th 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 Washington County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Washington County's composite risk percentile is 24th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Washington County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Washington County's hurricane risk is at the 74th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Washington County is at the 26th 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 Washington County a safe place to live?
Washington County's composite risk score of 24th 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 74th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Telfair County

Georgia

-0.2

Very Low

24th percentile

Pierce County

Georgia

-1.1

Very Low

23th percentile

McDuffie County

Georgia

+1.2

Very Low

25th 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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