Hancock County

Georgia — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Very Low

Composite Risk Score

11.9

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

Expected Annual Loss $3M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 9K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Hurricane
Low $142K/yr
Drought
Low $163K/yr
Wildfire
Very Low $33K/yr

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

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.

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.