Dodge County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 45th
Dodge County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.8, 45th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Dodge County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 44.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 45th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.26 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.16 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $567K in expected annual loss and about 30.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dodge County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Dodge County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 for hurricane events and 2 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Dodge County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.26 / yr | $4M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.16 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 30.89 / yr | $567K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.89 / yr | $645K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $62K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $207K |
| Lightning | Low | 66.86 / yr | $147K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.29 / yr | $367K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.41 / yr | $204K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.15 / yr | $79K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $16K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $18 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Dodge County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Tropical Storm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Debby |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dodge County?
Dodge County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 45th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dodge County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $567K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dodge County compare to other Georgia counties?
Dodge County ranks #66 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dodge County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Dodge County since 1977, most often 7 for hurricane events and 2 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. Dodge County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.