Clay County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Clay County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.5, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Clay County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 8.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th 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 Clay County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $405K in expected annual loss and about 46.00 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $393K in expected annual loss and about 0.19 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $405K in expected annual loss and about 2.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clay 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Clay County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1994, including 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Clay County ranks #134 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 46.00 / yr | $405K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.19 / yr | $393K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.21 / yr | $405K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.18 / yr | $337K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $124 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.47 / yr | $31K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 71.50 / yr | $32K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.51 / yr | $19K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $685K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.57 / yr | $34K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $1K |
| 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
Clay County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1994, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Biological (2), Tornado (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 |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Clay County?
Clay County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clay County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $405K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $393K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $405K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clay County compare to other Georgia counties?
Clay County ranks #134 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clay County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Clay County since 1994, most often 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological 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. Clay County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.