Emanuel County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 40th
Emanuel County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 39.9, 40th 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
Emanuel County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 39.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 40th 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 Emanuel County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.19 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $549K in expected annual loss and about 29.83 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $679K 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 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, Emanuel County has a 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 federal record bears this out: Emanuel County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 10 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, Emanuel County ranks #74 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.19 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 29.83 / yr | $549K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $679K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.79 / yr | $549K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Lightning | Low | 65.27 / yr | $154K |
| Hail | Low | 2.33 / yr | $121K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.94 / yr | $207K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.73 / yr | $13K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $133K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $43 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Emanuel County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), 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 |
| 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 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Emanuel County?
Emanuel County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 39.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 40th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Emanuel County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $549K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $679K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Emanuel County compare to other Georgia counties?
Emanuel County ranks #74 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Emanuel County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Emanuel County since 1977, most often 10 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. Emanuel County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.