Hancock County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 12th
Hancock County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.9, 12th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hancock County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 11.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 12th 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 Hancock County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $142K in expected annual loss and about 0.06 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $163K in expected annual loss and about 58.79 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $33K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hancock 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 federal record bears this out: Hancock County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Hancock County ranks #128 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.06 / yr | $142K |
| Drought | Low | 58.79 / yr | $163K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $33K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $112K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.47 / yr | $152K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.74 / yr | $28K |
| Hail | Low | 2.78 / yr | $86K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.24 / yr | $262K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $108 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.29 / yr | $94K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $91K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 59.25 / yr | $15K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.00 / 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
Hancock County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Biological (2), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| 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 |
| March 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hancock County?
Hancock County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 12th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hancock County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $142K EAL), Drought (Low, $163K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $33K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hancock County compare to other Georgia counties?
Hancock County ranks #128 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hancock County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Hancock County since 1977, most often 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological 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. Hancock County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.