Wakulla County, Florida Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · FL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Wakulla County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.7, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Wakulla County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 46.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th 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 Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $852K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 1.29 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Wakulla County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Wakulla County has received 45 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 23 for hurricane events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 67 Florida counties, Wakulla County ranks #56 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $852K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.29 / yr | $5M |
| Lightning | Medium | 83.22 / yr | $484K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 4.54 / yr | $767K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.38 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.37 / yr | $411K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $50K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.05 / yr | $245K |
| Drought | Very Low | 14.20 / yr | $247 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $21 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $7K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $14K |
| 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 |
Disaster History
Wakulla County has received 45 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (23), Severe Storm (8), Tropical Storm (5).
| 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 |
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| August 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Idalia |
| August 2023 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Idalia |
| December 2022 | Hurricane | Hurricane Nicole |
| November 2022 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Nicole |
| September 2022 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ian |
Showing the 10 most recent of 45 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Wakulla County?
Wakulla County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wakulla County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $852K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wakulla County compare to other Florida counties?
Wakulla County ranks #56 of 67 Florida counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wakulla County had?
FEMA records 45 federal disaster declarations for Wakulla County since 1972, most often 23 for hurricane events and 8 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. Wakulla County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.