Schley County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 1th
Schley County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 0.6, 1th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $1M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Schley County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 0.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 1st 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 Very Low risk — $114K in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $136K in expected annual loss and about 51.51 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $12K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $1M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Schley County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
History supports the rating: Schley County has received 12 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, Schley County ranks #158 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $114K |
| Drought | Low | 51.51 / yr | $136K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 7.05 / yr | $79K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $165K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 66.55 / yr | $50K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.49 / yr | $37K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $27 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.56 / yr | $59K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $7K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.40 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $1K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $490K |
| 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
Schley County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), 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 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2004 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Frances |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Schley County?
Schley County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 0.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 1th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Schley County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Very Low, $114K EAL), Drought (Low, $136K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $12K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Schley County compare to other Georgia counties?
Schley County ranks #158 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Schley County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Schley 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. Schley County's $1M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.