Miller County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Miller County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 20.8, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Miller County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 20.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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 Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $283K in expected annual loss and about 37.14 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $507K in expected annual loss and about 1.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Miller County has a high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Miller County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 6 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, Miller County ranks #106 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.23 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 37.14 / yr | $283K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.84 / yr | $507K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.22 / yr | $602K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Lightning | Low | 72.89 / yr | $75K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $44K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.00 / yr | $45K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.34 / yr | $43K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.77 / yr | $69K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $3K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $440 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $0 |
| 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
Miller County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), 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 |
| March 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
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 Miller County?
Miller County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 20.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Miller County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $283K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $507K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Miller County compare to other Georgia counties?
Miller County ranks #106 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Miller County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Miller County since 1977, most often 6 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. Miller County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.