Georgia natural disaster risk
Georgia ranks #16 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are tornado, lightning, earthquake.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Georgia's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County | 1,076,561 | 95.8 | Relatively High |
| Gwinnett County | 979,864 | 95.4 | Relatively High |
| Cobb County | 775,208 | 94.4 | Relatively High |
| DeKalb County | 765,351 | 94.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Chatham County | 300,879 | 97.4 | Relatively High |
| Clayton County | 298,924 | 86.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cherokee County | 281,032 | 85.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Forsyth County | 267,287 | 86.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Henry County | 249,960 | 79.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hall County | 212,705 | 84.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Richmond County | 206,069 | 87.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Muscogee County | 203,711 | 81.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Paulding County | 178,909 | 70.0 | Relatively Low |
| Houston County | 169,649 | 70.5 | Relatively Low |
| Columbia County | 162,434 | 76.8 | Relatively Low |
| Bibb County | 156,578 | 78.5 | Relatively Low |
| Coweta County | 152,852 | 65.6 | Relatively Low |
| Douglas County | 147,888 | 65.7 | Relatively Low |
| Clarke County | 129,609 | 67.0 | Relatively Low |
| Carroll County | 124,569 | 70.5 | Relatively Low |
| Fayette County | 122,244 | 61.3 | Relatively Low |
| Lowndes County | 119,965 | 72.6 | Relatively Low |
| Newton County | 118,152 | 50.6 | Relatively Low |
| Bartow County | 113,113 | 65.3 | Relatively Low |
| Whitfield County | 103,598 | 81.5 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Georgia
- Jones County 16.4
- Upson County 17.1
- Monroe County 18.7
- Meriwether County 19.2
- Oconee County 19.4
- Morgan County 19.4
- Butts County 20.5
- Harris County 20.8
Cities in Georgia
- Atlanta, GA risk 83.5
- Augusta, GA risk 75.8
- Chattanooga, TN risk 82.3
- Savannah, GA risk 87.9
- Columbus, GA risk 63.7
Frequently asked questions
Is Georgia safe from natural disasters?
Georgia's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 73.6 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #16 of 51 from safest. About 29% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Georgia?
The highest relative risks in Georgia are tornado, lightning, earthquake (national percentile scores 81, 81, 79).
Where is the safest place to live in Georgia?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Jones County, Upson County, Monroe County.