Coahoma County Disaster Risk
Coahoma County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Coahoma County, Mississippi
Coahoma County Above National Average
Coahoma County scores 62.50 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting 23% above the national average. This northwestern Mississippi county faces notably elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities.
High-Risk County for Mississippi
Coahoma County ranks in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties for disaster risk, with a composite score 23% above the state average of 50.94. Only counties with the most extreme hazard exposure exceed Coahoma's overall risk profile.
Significantly Riskier Than All Neighbors
Coahoma County's 62.50 score substantially exceeds all adjacent counties, including Clay (42.53), Chickasaw (43.92), and Quitman to the south. The county's elevated risk stems primarily from exceptional earthquake exposure (90.71), the highest in its region.
Earthquakes and Tornadoes Dominate Risk
Coahoma residents face exceptional earthquake risk at 90.71—among Mississippi's highest—and elevated tornado risk at 86.61. Flood risk at 46.28 poses a secondary concern, while wildfire threat remains minimal at just 10.53.
Earthquake Insurance Is Essential Here
Coahoma County residents absolutely need earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Additionally, invest in tornado-resistant construction features and maintain strong homeowners coverage, as the county's elevated earthquake and tornado exposure makes comprehensive protection critical.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Coahoma County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Coahoma County
Risk Verdict
Coahoma County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 63th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Coahoma County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Coahoma County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (60th percentile), flood (46th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Coahoma 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. The county's tornado risk at the 87th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Coahoma 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
A composite score 11.6 points above the Mississippi state average puts Coahoma County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Coahoma County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Coahoma County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Coahoma County?
How does Coahoma County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Coahoma County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Coahoma County higher risk than average?
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.