Ware County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 49th
Ware County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 49.4, 49th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Ware County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 49.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 49th 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 — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.28 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $176K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $501K 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 36K.
Beyond physical exposure, Ware County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Ware County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 9 for hurricane events and 4 for fire events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene (hurricane), declared in September 2024.
Among 159 Georgia counties, Ware County ranks #61 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.28 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $176K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $501K |
| Lightning | Medium | 74.78 / yr | $309K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.45 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.80 / yr | $439K |
| Drought | Low | 26.10 / yr | $96K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.36 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.08 / yr | $239K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $13K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $83 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.21 / yr | $158K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.90 / yr | $30K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / 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
Ware County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (9), Fire (4), Tropical Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
| September 2017 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irma |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Ware County?
Ware County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 49.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 49th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Ware County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $176K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $501K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Ware County compare to other Georgia counties?
Ware County ranks #61 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Ware County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Ware County since 1977, most often 9 for hurricane events and 4 for fire events. The most recent was Hurricane Helene, declared in September 2024.
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. Ware County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.