Calhoun County Disaster Risk
Calhoun County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Calhoun County, Mississippi
Calhoun County: well below national average
Calhoun County scores 27.67 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and significantly below the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure to most major natural hazards.
Among Mississippi's safest counties
Calhoun County's 27.67 score sits well below Mississippi's 50.94 state average, ranking it among the state's lower-risk areas. This below-average standing positions Calhoun as a safer choice compared to most Mississippi counties.
Safer than most northeast Mississippi peers
Calhoun County's 27.67 score outperforms neighboring Yalobusha, Grenada, and Chickasaw counties, establishing it as a regional safety standout. Its central-east location provides distance from both Gulf hurricane zones and the Delta flood belt.
Tornado and earthquake are modest concerns
Tornado risk reaches 49.36 and earthquake risk 76.78, representing Calhoun County's highest hazards, though both remain manageable. Flood risk is notably low at 25.35, reflecting the county's slightly elevated terrain relative to surrounding areas.
Standard coverage is likely sufficient
A standard homeowners policy with tornado and wind coverage should address Calhoun County's primary risks. Flood insurance is optional for most residents outside designated flood zones given the county's modest 25.35 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Calhoun County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Calhoun County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Calhoun County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 28th percentile. Even at the 28th percentile, Calhoun County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Calhoun County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (49th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), flood (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 77th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Calhoun County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Hurricane at the 64th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Calhoun County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Calhoun County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Calhoun County is 23.3 composite risk points below the Mississippi state mean, meaning most other Mississippi counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Calhoun County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Calhoun County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Calhoun County?
How does Calhoun County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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Is Calhoun 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.