riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Attala County Disaster Risk

Attala County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

34th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#61

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Attala County, Mississippi

Attala County ranks very low nationally

Attala County scores just 34.16 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and significantly below the national average. This favorable standing reflects relatively modest exposure to most major natural hazards.

Among Mississippi's safest counties

Attala County's 34.16 score places it well below Mississippi's 50.94 state average, ranking it among the state's safer counties. This below-average risk makes Attala an attractive option for those seeking lower natural hazard exposure within Mississippi.

Safer than surrounding central Mississippi

Attala County's 34.16 score significantly outperforms neighbors like Leake and Madison counties in terms of overall safety. Its central location in Mississippi provides distance from Gulf hurricane zones and coastal flood risks that affect counties to the south and east.

Tornado and earthquake risks are moderate

Tornado risk registers at 73.03, the highest hazard for Attala County, though still below state and national norms. Earthquake risk of 70.01 represents an unusual secondary concern for the region, while flood risk is notably low at 27.89.

Standard coverage protects most risks

A standard homeowners policy with comprehensive wind and hail coverage should adequately address Attala County's modest tornado risk. Given the relatively low overall risk profile, basic flood insurance may be optional for most residents outside designated high-risk zones.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Attala County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    70th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    68th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Attala County

Risk Verdict

Attala County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 34th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 34th percentile nationally is an advantage for Attala County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Attala County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (68th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), flood (28th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Attala County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 73th percentile nationally. For Attala County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Attala County at the 70th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Attala County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

The Mississippi county average exceeds Attala County's score by 16.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Attala County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Attala County, MS?
Attala County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 34th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Attala County?
Attala County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (73th percentile), earthquake (70th percentile), hurricane (68th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), flooding (28th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 73th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Attala County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Attala County's composite risk percentile is 34th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Attala County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Attala County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Attala County's tornado risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Attala County is at the 28th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Attala County a safe place to live?
Attala County's composite risk score of 34th percentile is below the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 73th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Wilkinson County

Mississippi

-0.7

Very Low

33th percentile

Clarke County

Mississippi

+1.9

Very Low

36th percentile

Tunica County

Mississippi

+2.1

Very Low

36th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

Explore more data for Attala County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score