Monroe County, Alabama Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 49th
Monroe County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 48.7, 49th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monroe County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 48.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 49th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Monroe County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.14 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $524K in expected annual loss and about 76.68 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $203K in expected annual loss and about 15.17 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monroe County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Monroe County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 15 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 67 Alabama counties, Monroe County ranks #44 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.14 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | Medium | 76.68 / yr | $524K |
| Drought | Low | 15.17 / yr | $203K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.67 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.28 / yr | $369K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $196K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.11 / yr | $465K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.97 / yr | $209K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.16 / yr | $14K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $49K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $57 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $7K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Monroe County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (15), Severe Storm (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| December 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Zeta |
| September 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sally |
| September 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sally |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Nate |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| January 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isaac |
Showing the 10 most recent of 26 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Monroe County?
Monroe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 48.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 49th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monroe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $524K EAL), Drought (Low, $203K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monroe County compare to other Alabama counties?
Monroe County ranks #44 of 67 Alabama counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monroe County had?
FEMA records 26 federal disaster declarations for Monroe County since 1975, most often 15 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene, declared in September 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Monroe County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.