Lee County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Lee County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.4, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lee County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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 Lee County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $574K in expected annual loss and about 43.72 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 33K.
Beyond physical exposure, Lee County has a very 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.
The federal record bears this out: Lee County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 5 for hurricane events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Lee County ranks #90 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.15 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 43.72 / yr | $574K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.25 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $108K |
| Lightning | Low | 69.33 / yr | $362K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $278K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.26 / yr | $343K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.05 / yr | $753K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.46 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.81 / yr | $163K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.43 / yr | $278K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $13K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $4K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $11 |
| 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
Lee County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (5), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| March 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
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 Lee County?
Lee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Lee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $574K EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Lee County compare to other Georgia counties?
Lee County ranks #90 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Lee County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Lee County since 1966, most often 5 for hurricane events and 3 for severe 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. Lee County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.