Choctaw County Disaster Risk
Choctaw County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% 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 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Choctaw County, Mississippi
Choctaw County: Mississippi's Safest
Choctaw County scores just 11.55 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting dramatically below both Mississippi's average of 50.94 and the national average. This county faces fewer natural disaster threats than nearly anywhere in the state.
Ranked Among State's Lowest Risk
Choctaw County ranks in the safest tier of Mississippi's 82 counties, with a composite score 78% lower than the state average. Its risk profile stands out as exceptionally favorable across most hazard categories.
Significantly Safer Than Neighbors
Choctaw County's 11.55 score is substantially lower than adjacent Chickasaw County (43.92) and Clay County (42.53). Even compared to other low-risk neighbors like Claiborne County (24.75), Choctaw stands out as the safest area in its region.
Tornadoes and Earthquakes Pose Modest Threat
Tornado risk at 48.57 and earthquake risk at 50.10 represent Choctaw's highest exposure, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is exceptionally low at 9.96, and wildfire threat minimal at 22.96, creating one of Mississippi's most benign risk environments.
Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient
While Choctaw County's low-risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection, residents should still maintain tornado and severe storm preparedness. Earthquake risk, though modest, warrants a conversation with your insurance agent about coverage options.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Choctaw County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Choctaw County
Risk Verdict
Choctaw County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 12th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Choctaw County's 12th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Choctaw County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (49th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Choctaw County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 59th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Earthquake at the 50th percentile nationally is Choctaw County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Choctaw County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Mississippi county average, Choctaw County's composite score runs 39.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Choctaw County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Choctaw County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Choctaw County?
How does Choctaw County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Choctaw 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.