Copiah County Disaster Risk
Copiah County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% 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
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Copiah County, Mississippi
Copiah County Well Above National Risk
Copiah County scores 61.29 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting 20% above the national average. Central Mississippi residents face significantly elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical American counties.
Among Mississippi's Higher-Risk Counties
Copiah County ranks in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score 20% above the state average of 50.94. Only the most hazard-prone counties in Mississippi exceed Copiah's exposure level.
Riskier Than Most Regional Counties
Copiah County's 61.29 score exceeds nearby Claiborne (24.75) and Clarke (36.04) counties substantially. It compares closely to Coahoma County (62.50), another high-risk area, and significantly exceeds Covington County (50.83) to the south, which sits near the state average.
Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Floods Threaten
Copiah residents face extraordinary tornado risk at 89.47—among Mississippi's highest—plus elevated hurricane (78.06) and flood (46.69) risks. Wildfire exposure at 49.55 rounds out a notably comprehensive hazard profile well above state norms.
Multi-Hazard Insurance Coverage Critical
Homeowners need comprehensive coverage addressing tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding, making this one of Mississippi's counties requiring the most robust insurance strategy. Separate flood insurance and tornado-resistant construction upgrades provide essential protection in this elevated-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Copiah County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Copiah County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 61th, Copiah County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Copiah County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (57th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile), flood (47th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 89th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Copiah County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 78th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Copiah County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Copiah County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 10.4 points above the Mississippi state average, Copiah County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Mississippi county.
Is your household prepared for Copiah County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Copiah County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Copiah County?
How does Copiah County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Copiah County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Copiah 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.