Camden County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 55th
Camden County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.5, 55th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $21M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Camden County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 54.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 55th 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.
Most of Camden County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.32 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $749K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.57 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $21M in expected annual loss for a population of 55K.
Beyond physical exposure, Camden County has a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Camden County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 11 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Camden County ranks #49 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.32 / yr | $10M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $749K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.57 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.96 / yr | $628K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $413K |
| Lightning | Low | 68.69 / yr | $285K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.30 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.28 / yr | $76K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.82 / yr | $372K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.70 / yr | $78K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $47 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $10K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.36 / yr | $65K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 22.58 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Camden County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), Tropical Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| September 2019 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dorian |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Camden County?
Camden County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 55th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Camden County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $10M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $749K EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Camden County compare to other Georgia counties?
Camden County ranks #49 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Camden County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Camden County since 1977, most often 11 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical 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. Camden County's $21M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.