Baker County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 10th
Baker County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 9.8, 10th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Baker County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 9.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 10th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Baker County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $728K in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $300K in expected annual loss and about 47.54 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $425K in expected annual loss and about 1.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Baker County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Baker County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 6 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Baker County ranks #132 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.21 / yr | $728K |
| Drought | Medium | 47.54 / yr | $300K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.89 / yr | $425K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.24 / yr | $248K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.37 / yr | $54K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.95 / yr | $32K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 71.28 / yr | $31K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $992K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.54 / yr | $36K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $1 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $209 |
| 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
Baker County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| January 2017 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| January 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Baker County?
Baker County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 9.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 10th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Baker County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $728K EAL), Drought (Medium, $300K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $425K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Baker County compare to other Georgia counties?
Baker County ranks #132 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Baker County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Baker County since 1966, most often 6 for hurricane events and 6 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. Baker County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.