Gulf County

Florida — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

59.5

National percentile: 60th

Gulf County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.5, 60th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $17M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Medium Capacity to recover
Population 14K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Hurricane
High $12M/yr
Lightning
Medium $501K/yr
Wildfire
Low $202K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Hurricane High 0.26 / yr $12M
Lightning Medium 87.10 / yr $501K
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $202K
Coastal Flood Medium 3.76 / yr $517K
Heat Wave Low 7.00 / yr $181K
Tornado Low 0.32 / yr $650K
Cold Wave Low 1.44 / yr $457K
Riverine Flood Very Low 0.46 / yr $2M
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $23K
Drought Very Low 11.42 / yr $89
Landslide Very Low 0.06 / yr $34
Strong Wind Very Low 0.79 / yr $71K
Winter Weather Very Low 0.21 / yr $4K
Hail Very Low 0.48 / yr $5K
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Ice Storm Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Gulf County?

Gulf County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 60th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Gulf County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (High, $12M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $501K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $202K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Gulf County compare to other Florida counties?

Gulf County ranks #50 of 67 Florida counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

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. Gulf County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.