Cook County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 35th
Cook County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 34.8, 35th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning 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 Cook County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 34.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 35th 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 Cook County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.26 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $234K in expected annual loss and about 72.01 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $168K in expected annual loss and about 23.80 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cook County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Cook County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 8 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Cook County ranks #82 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.26 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Medium | 72.01 / yr | $234K |
| Drought | Low | 23.80 / yr | $168K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.13 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.58 / yr | $676K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $28K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $151K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.63 / yr | $162K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.39 / yr | $207K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.58 / yr | $68K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $3 |
| 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
Cook County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), 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 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Cook County?
Cook County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 34.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 35th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cook County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $234K EAL), Drought (Low, $168K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cook County compare to other Georgia counties?
Cook County ranks #82 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cook County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Cook County since 1977, most often 8 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. Cook County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.