Chickasaw County Disaster Risk
Chickasaw County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chickasaw County, Mississippi
Chickasaw's Risk: Below Average
Chickasaw County scores 43.92 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and below Mississippi's average of 50.94. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical Americans, though certain hazards still warrant attention.
Safer Than Most Mississippi Counties
Among Mississippi's 82 counties, Chickasaw ranks in the lower half for overall disaster risk. The county's 43.92 score sits comfortably below the state average, making it one of the safer areas in Mississippi for natural hazard exposure.
Compared to Adjacent Counties
Chickasaw's risk profile aligns with nearby Clay County (42.53), though it faces slightly higher tornado risk than Clarke County (66.00 vs 66.00). Coahoma County to the north presents notably higher overall risk at 62.50, driven by exceptional earthquake exposure.
Watch for Earthquakes and Tornadoes
Chickasaw residents face the greatest exposure to earthquakes (81.52) and tornadoes (72.61), both well above national averages. While flood and wildfire risks remain moderate at 26.49 and 30.85 respectively, the earthquake threat is particularly notable for a county east of the Mississippi River.
Secure Your Home Against Quakes and Storms
Homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and storm reinforcement given Chickasaw's elevated seismic and tornado risks. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake damage, making separate coverage essential for protecting your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chickasaw County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chickasaw County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Chickasaw County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 44th percentile. At the 44th percentile, Chickasaw County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Chickasaw County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (68th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile), flood (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 82th percentile nationally puts Chickasaw 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Chickasaw County's tornado risk at the 73th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Chickasaw 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
Chickasaw County's composite risk score sits 7.0 points below the Mississippi county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Chickasaw County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chickasaw County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Chickasaw County?
How does Chickasaw County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Chickasaw County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Chickasaw 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.