Burke County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Burke County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.3, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Burke County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 37.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $764K in expected annual loss and about 40.08 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $965K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 24K.
Beyond physical exposure, Burke County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Burke County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 8 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Burke County ranks #78 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.15 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 40.08 / yr | $764K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $965K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.04 / yr | $141K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.84 / yr | $587K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $65K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.41 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 2.53 / yr | $155K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.03 / yr | $274K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $299 |
| Lightning | Low | 63.34 / yr | $92K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.21 / yr | $253K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.21 / yr | $11K |
| 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
Burke County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Tropical Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Debby |
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Idalia |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Burke County?
Burke County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Burke County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $764K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $965K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Burke County compare to other Georgia counties?
Burke County ranks #78 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Burke County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Burke County since 1977, most often 8 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
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. Burke County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.