Upson County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 17th
Upson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 17.1, 17th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Upson County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 17.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 17th 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 Upson County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $299K in expected annual loss and about 0.06 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Low risk — $238K in expected annual loss and about 63.16 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $148K in expected annual loss and about 51.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Upson County has a medium 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Upson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 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, Upson County ranks #117 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.06 / yr | $299K |
| Lightning | Low | 63.16 / yr | $238K |
| Drought | Low | 51.63 / yr | $148K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.26 / yr | $358K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $265K |
| Hail | Low | 3.52 / yr | $202K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $27K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.22 / yr | $756K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.88 / yr | $306K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.40 / yr | $344 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.93 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $19K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $50K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Upson County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (5), Biological (2).
| 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 |
| January 2017 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Upson County?
Upson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 17.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 17th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Upson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $299K EAL), Lightning (Low, $238K EAL), Drought (Low, $148K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Upson County compare to other Georgia counties?
Upson County ranks #117 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Upson County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Upson County since 1977, most often 7 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. Upson County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.