Mississippi County Disaster Risk
Mississippi County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mississippi County, Arkansas
Mississippi County's Exceptional Risk
Mississippi County's composite risk score of 89.22 places it in the Relatively Moderate risk category and far above the U.S. average. The county's earthquake risk (97.96) is among the nation's highest, while its tornado risk (69.59) also ranks significantly above average.
Arkansas's Highest Composite Risk
At 89.22, Mississippi County carries the highest composite risk score of any Arkansas county, 60% above the state average of 55.51. The county's exceptional seismic exposure reflects its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Dramatically Higher Risk Profile
Mississippi County (89.22) faces substantially greater risk than nearby counties like Miller (70.83) and Lonoke (75.10). Its earthquake score of 97.96 stands as a singular regional hazard, driven by seismic proximity.
Seismic Risk Dominates
Earthquakes (97.96) are Mississippi County's defining hazard—among the nation's highest risks—reflecting the county's position near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Tornadoes (69.59) present a secondary but still significant threat.
Earthquake Insurance Is Essential
Mississippi County homeowners cannot afford to skip earthquake insurance; the county's seismic risk ranks among America's highest. Tornado and flood coverage are equally critical to protect against the county's multiple severe hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mississippi County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mississippi County
Risk Verdict
At the 89th percentile nationally, Mississippi County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Mississippi County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Mississippi County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (63th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 98th percentile nationally, Mississippi County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Tornado at the 70th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Mississippi County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Mississippi County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Arkansas county average is 33.7 composite points below Mississippi County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Mississippi County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mississippi County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Mississippi County?
How does Mississippi County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Mississippi County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mississippi County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.