Jackson County, Florida Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · FL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 76th
Jackson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 75.7, 76th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Jackson County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 75.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 76th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at High risk — $13M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $741K in expected annual loss and about 76.86 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $717K in expected annual loss and about 26.50 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 47K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jackson County has a 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.
History supports the rating: Jackson County has received 34 federal disaster declarations since 1994, including 20 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 67 Florida counties, Jackson County ranks #43 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | High | 0.22 / yr | $13M |
| Lightning | High | 76.86 / yr | $741K |
| Drought | Medium | 26.50 / yr | $717K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.89 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.47 / yr | $622K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.32 / yr | $7M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.79 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.64 / yr | $434K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $215K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $34K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $334 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $15K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.03 / yr | $43K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Jackson County has received 34 federal disaster declarations since 1994, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (20), Severe Storm (5), Tropical Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Helene |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Debby |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| December 2022 | Hurricane | Hurricane Nicole |
| September 2022 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ian |
| September 2022 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Ian |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Fred |
| September 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sally |
| September 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sally |
Showing the 10 most recent of 34 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jackson County?
Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 75.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 76th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (High, $13M EAL), Lightning (High, $741K EAL), Drought (Medium, $717K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jackson County compare to other Florida counties?
Jackson County ranks #43 of 67 Florida counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jackson County had?
FEMA records 34 federal disaster declarations for Jackson County since 1994, most often 20 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. Jackson County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.