Georgetown County Disaster Risk
Georgetown County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Georgetown County, South Carolina
Georgetown faces among highest state risks
Georgetown County scores 92.49 on the composite risk scale, far exceeding both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This relatively moderate rating reflects the county's coastal geography and exposure to multiple overlapping hazard zones.
Georgetown ranks in the state's top tier
With a composite score of 92.49, Georgetown ranks among South Carolina's highest-risk counties, with only a few urban and coastal peers registering comparable exposure levels. The county's position on the Atlantic coast and its low-lying terrain create exceptional vulnerability.
Coastal position amplifies Georgetown's risk
Georgetown's 92.49 score closely mirrors Dorchester County (93.70) and nearly matches Greenville County (93.96), placing it in South Carolina's most hazard-exposed tier. Inland counties like Greenwood (72.74) and Fairfield (40.81) face dramatically lower composite risks.
Hurricanes and flooding top Georgetown threats
Hurricane risk reaches 98.29—the highest in this county profile set—while flood risk scores 86.40 due to tidal and riverine exposure. Wildfire risk at 91.35 and earthquake risk at 91.41 compound the threat picture, making Georgetown one of South Carolina's most exposed counties.
Comprehensive coverage is absolutely critical
Georgetown residents must obtain flood insurance and windstorm policies without delay, as neither is included in standard homeowners coverage. With hurricane risk at 98.29 and flood risk at 86.40, uninsured property in Georgetown faces near-certain exposure to major losses.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Georgetown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Georgetown County
Risk Verdict
Georgetown County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 92th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Georgetown County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Georgetown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (91th percentile), flood (86th percentile), tornado (55th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Georgetown County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Georgetown County's earthquake exposure at the 91th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Georgetown County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Georgetown County falls 21.7 points above South Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Georgetown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Georgetown County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Georgetown County?
How does Georgetown County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Georgetown County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Georgetown 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.