Jones County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 16th
Jones County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 16.4, 16th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Jones County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 16.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 16th 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 heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $650K in expected annual loss and about 6.68 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $244K in expected annual loss and about 0.07 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $76K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jones County has a medium 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.
The federal record bears this out: Jones County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1977, 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, Jones County ranks #120 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.68 / yr | $650K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.07 / yr | $244K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $76K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $210K |
| Drought | Low | 52.16 / yr | $102K |
| Hail | Low | 3.31 / yr | $176K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.63 / yr | $48K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $782K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.45 / yr | $442 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.90 / yr | $245K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 61.47 / yr | $74K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $137K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.74 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Jones County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Biological (2), Severe Ice 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 |
| March 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
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 Jones County?
Jones County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 16.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 16th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jones County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Low, $650K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $244K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $76K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jones County compare to other Georgia counties?
Jones County ranks #120 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jones County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Jones County since 1977, 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. Jones County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.