Monroe County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 19th
Monroe County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 18.7, 19th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monroe County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 18.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 19th 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 Monroe County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $319K in expected annual loss and about 0.07 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $501K in expected annual loss and about 6.32 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $56K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monroe County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Monroe County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 6 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Monroe County ranks #113 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.07 / yr | $319K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.32 / yr | $501K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $56K |
| Drought | Low | 55.64 / yr | $155K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $262K |
| Hail | Low | 3.92 / yr | $232K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.10 / yr | $435K |
| Lightning | Low | 61.82 / yr | $174K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.25 / yr | $924K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $571 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $4M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.71 / yr | $28K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $117K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Monroe County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Severe Storm (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 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 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Monroe County?
Monroe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 18.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 19th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monroe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $319K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $501K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $56K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monroe County compare to other Georgia counties?
Monroe County ranks #113 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monroe County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Monroe County since 1977, most often 6 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm 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. Monroe County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.