Jacksonville Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,303,156 and a calculated risk score of 96.7, Jacksonville faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Jacksonville, FL. Living in Jacksonville offers a unique lifestyle. But like any location, it has local climate challenges. The most significant threat to be aware of is lightning.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Jacksonville sits at a Risk Score of 96.671. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Lightning and Hurricane.
Top Hazards for The Jacksonville Area
Considering the historical weather trends in Florida, data indicates that Jacksonville has a higher-than-average exposure to lightning. It is important to note that this metric (score: 99.5) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
The geographical layout of Florida means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these hurricane scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 98.8. Sandbagging locations and shelter routes should be identified before the season starts.
Comparisons of local data to the rest of Florida reveal, Jacksonville faces a critical challenge with river flooding events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 98.6, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Jacksonville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Jacksonville
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Jacksonville. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Jacksonville
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Lightning is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 99.7 | When compared to Miami, Jacksonville is statistically safer. The difference of 3.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tampa | 99.3 | When compared to Tampa, Jacksonville is statistically safer. The difference of 2.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Orlando | 97.8 | Orlando and Jacksonville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Jacksonville the edge in overall safety. |
| Cape Coral | 99.2 | Cape Coral and Jacksonville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Jacksonville the edge in overall safety. |
| Palm Bay | 99.0 | When compared to Palm Bay, Jacksonville is statistically safer. The difference of 2.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Jacksonville?
With a risk score of 99.5 for Lightning, Jacksonville is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Jacksonville safer than other cities in Florida?
It varies by hazard. While Jacksonville has its own risk profile (Total Score: 96.7), it is among the higher-risk areas in Florida. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Jacksonville given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 98.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Jacksonville is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Jacksonville compare to other cities in Florida?
See the full Florida Disaster Rankings to see how Jacksonville stacks up against other cities in the state.