Norcross Historic District · Photo: Thomson200 · CC0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in Norcross than in 84% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Norcross gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns, #51 of 264 in Georgia. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (72%), then tornadoes (12%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 1980.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Norcross faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Hail
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Norcross’ grade
River and rain flooding is 72% of the building damage FEMA expects in Norcross, and Norcross’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 69% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 12% (higher than 67% of U.S. census tracts).
A− #51 of 264 in Georgia; lower expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Norcross’ residents live in 11 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Georgia town has lower expected damage than 72% of U.S. towns; within the state, Norcross has less expected damage per building than 81% of Georgia towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.4M a year in losses across Norcross: $2.8M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Norcross flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 1980
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Norcross, from FEMA’s records: 0.3 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 96% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Norcross isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Gwinnett County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Norcross
Disasters that paid out in Norcross itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Norcross), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2017Hurricane Irma1 households applied for aid$500 aid approved
- 2009Severe Storms and Flooding307 households applied for aid$182K aid approved$123K to the City of Norcross for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Storm$114K to the City of Norcross for repairs
Gwinnett County has had 10 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Norcross after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Norcross archive →Norcross and its neighbors
Norcross has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norcross | A−less damage than 84% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Peachtree Corners | A−less damage than 78% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Norcross faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Norcross
Is Norcross at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Norcross has lower expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #51 of 264 in Georgia. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (72%) and tornadoes (12%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Norcross flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Norcross since 1980, $9K in all, or 0.3 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 96% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Norcross in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Gwinnett County, 63% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.4% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Norcross?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Norcross’ flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Norcross?
By FEMA money that reached Norcross, Severe Storms and Flooding (2009): 307 households applied for aid, $182K approved, and $123K to the City of Norcross for repairs.
Is Norcross at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (72%), and Norcross’ rate for it is lower than 69% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Norcross.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Norcross’ residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.