Houston County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 70th
Houston County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 70.5, 70th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $33M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Houston County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 70.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 70th 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 heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 7.26 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 64.37 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $33M in expected annual loss for a population of 163K.
Beyond physical exposure, Houston County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Houston County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 6 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, Houston County ranks #26 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 7.26 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | High | 64.37 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.11 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.23 / yr | $4M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.61 / yr | $16M |
| Hail | Low | 2.35 / yr | $648K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $174K |
| Drought | Medium | 39.93 / yr | $509K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.50 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.26 / yr | $892K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.36 / yr | $69K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $635 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $18K |
| 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
Houston County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
| February 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
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 Houston County?
Houston County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 70.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 70th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Houston County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Lightning (High, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Houston County compare to other Georgia counties?
Houston County ranks #26 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Houston County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Houston County since 1966, most often 6 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. Houston County's $33M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.