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

Wilkes County Disaster Risk

Wilkes County, Georgia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#125

of 159 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

16th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 29% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Wilkes County, Georgia

Wilkes ranks among safest counties nationally

Wilkes County's composite risk score of 12.91 ranks well below Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it solidly in the very low category. The county's hazard exposure is minimal compared to national disaster risk patterns.

Among Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Wilkes County ranks among the safest counties in Georgia by composite risk, positioned in the very low category substantially below the state average. The county's east-central location shields it from major tornado and hurricane corridors affecting other state regions.

Safer than nearby White County significantly

Wilkes County's 12.91 score ranks very similarly to Wheeler County (6.42) and Wilkinson County (4.64), but well below White County (45.74). The county benefits from a rural location in Georgia's safer east-central region.

Hurricane and earthquake top concern list

Wilkes County's hurricane risk (73.05) and earthquake risk (59.86) both exceed the composite average, making them the primary hazard considerations. Tornado risk (29.33) and wildfire risk (34.70) present lower but manageable concerns for residents.

Ensure windstorm and earthquake coverage

Wilkes County homeowners should maintain adequate wind and hurricane coverage in their policies despite the county's low composite risk rating. Consider earthquake insurance as a supplement, particularly if your property would face significant economic loss from seismic damage.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Wilkes County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    60th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    35th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Wilkes County

Risk Verdict

Wilkes County's overall natural disaster score at the 13th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 13th percentile, Wilkes County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Wilkes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (35th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), flood (16th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane exposure at the 73th percentile nationally makes Wilkes County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Wilkes County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Earthquake, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 60th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Wilkes County independent of hurricane season. Wilkes 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

Wilkes County's composite risk score sits 26.6 points below the Georgia county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Wilkes 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 Wilkes County, GA?
Wilkes 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 Wilkes County?
Wilkes County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (73th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), flooding (16th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 73th 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 Wilkes County risk compare to the Georgia average?
Wilkes 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 Wilkes County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Georgia.
Is Wilkes County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Wilkes County's hurricane risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Wilkes County is at the 16th 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 Wilkes County a safe place to live?
Wilkes 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 73th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Heard County

Georgia

-0.1

Very Low

13th percentile

Wilcox County

Georgia

+0.3

Very Low

13th percentile

Banks County

Georgia

-0.5

Very Low

12th 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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