Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Mississippi
Adams County's risk: above average nationally
Adams County scores 57.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category—but above the national average. This means residents face moderately elevated exposure to natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.
Mid-range risk within Mississippi
Adams County ranks in the middle of Mississippi's risk spectrum with a score of 57.25, exceeding the state average of 50.94. This positions it as higher-risk than roughly half of Mississippi's counties, particularly driven by tornado and hurricane exposure.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Adams County's 57.25 score outpaces neighbors like Wilkinson and Franklin counties, but trails Bolivar County (76.78) to the north. Among immediate peers, Adams faces notably higher tornado and hurricane risk, making it one of the more exposed areas in southwest Mississippi.
Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate here
Tornado risk peaks at 82.12—well above state norms—while hurricane risk scores 75.22, reflecting Adams County's vulnerability to Gulf Coast storm systems. Flood risk also registers at 59.03, meaning spring storms and tropical systems pose compounded threats to homes and infrastructure.
Insurance is essential, especially for wind
With tornado and hurricane risk this elevated, comprehensive homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage is critical. Residents should also verify flood insurance separately, as standard policies exclude flood damage—critical given the county's 59.03 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 57th, Adams County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (59th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Adams County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Adams County at the 75th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. For Adams County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 6.3 points above the Mississippi state average, Adams County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Mississippi county.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Adams County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Adams 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.