Oconee County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 19th
Oconee County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 19.4, 19th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and hurricane 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 Oconee County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 19.4 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 Oconee County's expected losses come from ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $240K in expected annual loss and about 1.09 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $306K in expected annual loss and about 0.05 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $666K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 42K.
Beyond physical exposure, Oconee County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Oconee County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 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, Oconee County ranks #111 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.09 / yr | $240K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.05 / yr | $306K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $666K |
| Drought | Low | 49.18 / yr | $343K |
| Hail | Low | 4.40 / yr | $367K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.11 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.21 / yr | $382K |
| Lightning | Low | 55.91 / yr | $229K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.18 / yr | $7M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.37 / yr | $672K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.27 / yr | $446K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $162 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 2.16 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Oconee County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (4), Biological (2), Winter Storm (1).
| 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 |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| February 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Oconee County?
Oconee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 19.4 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 Oconee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (Medium, $240K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $306K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $666K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Oconee County compare to other Georgia counties?
Oconee County ranks #111 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Oconee County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Oconee County since 1973, most often 4 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. Oconee County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.