Alcorn County Disaster Risk
Alcorn County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Alcorn County, Mississippi
Alcorn County sits well above national average
Alcorn County scores 65.01 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the relatively low risk category but notably above typical U.S. risk levels. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types across the county.
One of Mississippi's higher-risk counties
Alcorn County ranks among the state's riskier areas with a 65.01 score, well above Mississippi's 50.94 average. Only a handful of counties in the state exceed this risk level, making Alcorn a notable hot spot for natural hazard exposure.
Stands out for earthquake and tornado threat
Alcorn County's 65.01 score significantly exceeds neighboring Tippah and Prentiss counties, placing it in a distinct risk category for northeast Mississippi. Its exceptional earthquake risk of 89.76 is particularly unusual for the region and warrants special attention from residents.
Earthquakes, tornadoes shape risk profile
Earthquake risk reaches 89.76—extraordinarily high for Mississippi and the nation—while tornado risk scores 87.53, creating a dual threat environment. These two hazards dominate Alcorn's risk profile far more than flood or wildfire concerns.
Earthquake preparedness is unusual but vital
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, yet Alcorn County's 89.76 earthquake risk demands dedicated coverage through separate policies. Equally important: ensure your policy covers tornado and wind damage, as the 87.53 tornado risk poses year-round threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Alcorn County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Alcorn County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Alcorn County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 65th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Alcorn County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Alcorn County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (58th percentile), flood (52th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 90th percentile nationally puts Alcorn County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 88th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Alcorn County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Alcorn County is 14.1 composite risk points above the Mississippi average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Alcorn County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Alcorn County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Alcorn County?
How does Alcorn County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Alcorn County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Alcorn 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.