Washington County, Georgia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · GA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Washington County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 23.8, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 23.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 Washington County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 50.96 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $625K in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $443K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Washington County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 7 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, Washington County ranks #99 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 50.96 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.08 / yr | $625K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $443K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.37 / yr | $452K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $44K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.66 / yr | $70K |
| Hail | Low | 2.45 / yr | $137K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.33 / yr | $549K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $333 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.17 / yr | $192K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 61.77 / yr | $69K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $198K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 0.79 / 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
Washington County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Biological (2), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Helene |
| 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 |
| March 2014 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 23.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $625K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $443K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Georgia counties?
Washington County ranks #99 of 159 Georgia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1966, most often 7 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. Washington County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.