Mississippi natural disaster risk
Mississippi ranks #13 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are tornado, heat wave, coastal flooding.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Mississippi's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinds County | 218,533 | 94.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Harrison County | 210,891 | 95.6 | Relatively High |
| DeSoto County | 191,301 | 89.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rankin County | 158,854 | 85.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jackson County | 145,249 | 92.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Madison County | 111,647 | 82.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lee County | 83,034 | 81.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Forrest County | 78,272 | 78.1 | Relatively Low |
| Lauderdale County | 71,504 | 87.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jones County | 66,472 | 80.2 | Relatively Low |
| Lamar County | 65,713 | 65.0 | Relatively Low |
| Lafayette County | 58,327 | 64.4 | Relatively Low |
| Lowndes County | 57,838 | 80.9 | Relatively Low |
| Pearl River County | 57,458 | 86.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Oktibbeha County | 51,771 | 62.8 | Relatively Low |
| Hancock County | 46,167 | 82.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Warren County | 43,020 | 86.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Washington County | 42,765 | 83.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Pike County | 39,602 | 70.4 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 34,877 | 48.4 | Relatively Low |
| Alcorn County | 34,289 | 65.0 | Relatively Low |
| Marshall County | 33,979 | 71.2 | Relatively Low |
| Monroe County | 33,747 | 68.5 | Relatively Low |
| Panola County | 32,808 | 69.2 | Relatively Low |
| Pontotoc County | 31,550 | 50.1 | Relatively Low |
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 Mississippi
- Tate County 41.2
- Union County 43.5
- Tippah County 43.8
- Lincoln County 48.4
- Itawamba County 49.6
- Pontotoc County 50.1
- Simpson County 51.0
- Prentiss County 51.5
Cities in Mississippi
- Memphis, TN risk 92.9
- Jackson, MS risk 82.5
Frequently asked questions
Is Mississippi safe from natural disasters?
Mississippi's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 71.1 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #13 of 51 from safest. About 7% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Mississippi?
The highest relative risks in Mississippi are tornado, heat wave, coastal flooding (national percentile scores 84, 82, 78).
Where is the safest place to live in Mississippi?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Tate County, Union County, Tippah County.