Wheeler County Disaster Risk
Wheeler County, Georgia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#146
of 159 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wheeler County, Georgia
Wheeler ranks among safest counties nationally
Wheeler County's composite risk score of 6.42 places it in the very low category, well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This rating reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, making Wheeler one of Georgia's lower-risk counties overall.
One of Georgia's lowest-risk counties
Wheeler County ranks among the safest counties in Georgia for composite natural disaster risk. Its 6.42 score reflects the county's geographic position away from major earthquake, hurricane, and tornado corridors that affect other regions of the state.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Wheeler County's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Wilcox County (13.17) and White County (45.74). The county's advantage stems primarily from lower tornado and flood exposure compared to these adjacent areas.
Hurricane exposure is your main concern
While Wheeler's overall risk is very low, hurricane risk scores at 72.30—well above the county's composite average. Tornado risk (31.39) and wildfire risk (34.00) present secondary but manageable concerns for residents and property owners.
Focus hurricane coverage for this county
Given Wheeler's hurricane risk profile, homeowners should ensure adequate wind and storm damage coverage in their policies. Standard homeowner's insurance may require riders for hurricane-specific damage; review your policy with an agent to confirm adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wheeler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wheeler County
Risk Verdict
At the 6th percentile nationally, Wheeler County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 6th percentile nationally, Wheeler County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Wheeler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (34th percentile), tornado (31th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wheeler County ranks at the 72th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Wheeler County's earthquake exposure at the 36th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Wheeler County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.1 points below the Georgia state average puts Wheeler County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Wheeler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wheeler County, GA?
What types of natural hazards affect Wheeler County?
How does Wheeler County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Is Wheeler County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Wheeler County a safe place to live?
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.