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

Wilcox County Disaster Risk

Wilcox County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#124

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

9th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% 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

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Wilcox County, Georgia

Wilcox County remains below national risk average

Wilcox County's composite risk score of 13.17 places it well below Georgia's state average of 39.49, earning a very low risk rating. The county's hazard exposure remains modest compared to typical national disaster risk patterns.

Low-risk county in Georgia rankings

Wilcox County ranks among Georgia's safer counties for overall natural disaster risk, positioned in the very low category well below the state average. The county's rural south-central location reduces exposure to several major hazard corridors affecting other regions.

Safer than White County, similar to Wheeler

Wilcox County's 13.17 score slightly exceeds Wheeler County's 6.42 but remains far below White County's 45.74. The county enjoys similar low-risk positioning as other rural south-central Georgia areas.

Hurricane risk elevates despite low composite score

Wilcox County's hurricane risk of 77.31 stands dramatically above its composite average of 13.17, representing the county's primary natural hazard concern. Tornado risk (40.33) and wildfire risk (39.98) present secondary considerations, though all remain moderate by state standards.

Hurricane and windstorm coverage critical

Despite low overall risk, Wilcox County homeowners should prioritize wind and storm damage coverage given the elevated hurricane risk score. Standard homeowner's insurance may not fully cover hurricane-specific damage; work with an agent to ensure adequate windstorm protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Wilcox County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    77th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    40th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    40th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Wilcox County

Risk Verdict

Wilcox County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 13th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Wilcox County's favorable 13th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Wilcox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 40th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (38th percentile), flood (9th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 77th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Wilcox 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. Wilcox County's tornado exposure at the 40th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Wilcox County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Wilcox County falls 26.3 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 Wilcox 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 Wilcox County, GA?
Wilcox County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 13th 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 Wilcox County?
Wilcox County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (77th percentile), tornado (40th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (38th percentile), flooding (9th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 77th 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 Wilcox County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Wilcox County's composite risk percentile is 13th, compared to the Georgia state average of 40th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Wilcox County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Wilcox County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Wilcox County's hurricane risk is at the 77th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Wilcox County is at the 9th 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 Wilcox County a safe place to live?
Wilcox County's composite risk score of 13th 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 77th 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.