Irwin County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 14th
Irwin County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 13.6, 14th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Irwin County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 13.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 14th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $495K in expected annual loss and about 67.92 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $324K in expected annual loss and about 25.12 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Irwin County has a low 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Irwin County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 for hurricane events and 2 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Irwin County ranks #123 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.23 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 67.92 / yr | $495K |
| Drought | Low | 25.12 / yr | $324K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.39 / yr | $598K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.79 / yr | $696K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $118K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.21 / yr | $672K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.16 / yr | $97K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.80 / yr | $68K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $3K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $730 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $1 |
| 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
Irwin County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Tropical Storm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Irwin County?
Irwin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 13.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 14th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Irwin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $495K EAL), Drought (Low, $324K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Irwin County compare to other Georgia counties?
Irwin County ranks #123 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Irwin County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Irwin County since 1977, most often 7 for hurricane events and 2 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene, declared in September 2024.
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. Irwin County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.