Screven County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Screven County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 43.9, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Screven County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 43.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $652K in expected annual loss and about 29.48 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $504K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Screven County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Screven County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 9 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Screven County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.23 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 29.48 / yr | $652K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $504K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.42 / yr | $420K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $41K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.80 / yr | $61K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $721K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.58 / yr | $254K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.61 / yr | $67K |
| Lightning | Low | 64.10 / yr | $64K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.67 / yr | $162K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $61 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 1.00 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Screven County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (9), Tropical Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Debby |
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Idalia |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Michael |
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 Screven County?
Screven County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 43.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Screven County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $5M EAL), Drought (Medium, $652K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $504K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Screven County compare to other Georgia counties?
Screven County ranks #68 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Screven County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Screven County since 1977, most often 9 for hurricane events and 3 for tropical 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. Screven County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.