Benton County Disaster Risk
Benton County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benton County, Mississippi
Benton County: Mississippi's safest county
Benton County scores just 15.24 on the composite risk scale, making it one of the very lowest-risk counties in America. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure to major natural hazards and makes it a standout safe haven within Mississippi.
Dramatically safer than Mississippi average
Benton County's 15.24 score is less than one-third of Mississippi's 50.94 state average, positioning it as the state's safest or near-safest county. This remarkable gap underscores the county's unique geographic advantage and low-hazard profile.
Far safer than surrounding counties
Benton County's 15.24 score dwarfs all nearby counties including Marshall (higher), Tippah, and Prentiss, establishing it as a clear regional outlier. Its northeast location and distance from flood-prone river systems and coastal zones explain much of this advantage.
Earthquake is only moderate concern
Earthquake risk at 78.44 is Benton County's highest hazard score, though tornado (54.90) and flood (14.25) risks remain minimal. Even the earthquake score, while elevated for the county, reflects a broader regional pattern rather than acute local vulnerability.
Basic coverage provides ample protection
Standard homeowners insurance without specialized riders likely covers your primary risks in Benton County. Flood insurance is optional for most residents given the county's 14.25 flood risk—among the lowest in the state.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benton County
Risk Verdict
At the 15th percentile nationally, Benton County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 15th percentile nationally, Benton County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Benton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (50th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), flood (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Benton County ranks at the 78th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's tornado risk at the 55th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Benton County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 35.7 points below the Mississippi state average puts Benton County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Benton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benton County, MS?
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How does Benton County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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Is Benton County a safe place to live?
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.