Forrest County Disaster Risk
Forrest County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Forrest County, Mississippi
Forrest County carries moderate national risk
Forrest County's composite risk score of 78.05 and relatively low rating place it above the national average but still within moderate ranges. This profile reflects mixed hazard exposure, with particular strength in some disaster types and lower vulnerability in others.
Above-average risk for Mississippi
At 78.05, Forrest County scores notably higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper half of the state's risk distribution. Residents face meaningfully greater disaster exposure than the typical Mississippi county.
Riskier than Franklin, comparable to regional peers
Forrest County's 78.05 score substantially exceeds Franklin County's 17.33 to the west, but closely matches George County's 57.95 nearby. The county represents a moderate-to-higher risk zone within its region.
Hurricanes and wildfires are top threats
Forrest County's hurricane risk score of 90.40 and wildfire risk of 81.71 represent its two dominant hazards, both significantly above regional norms. Tornado risk at 92.65 rounds out a trio of serious weather threats requiring proactive preparation.
Bundle hurricane and wildfire protections
Forrest County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive coverage for wind, fire, and water damage given the county's hurricane and wildfire exposure. Document your home's condition, maintain defensible landscaping space, and ensure your policy limits reflect local construction costs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Forrest County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Forrest County
Risk Verdict
Forrest County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Forrest County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (82th percentile), flood (70th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Forrest County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. For Forrest County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 90th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Forrest County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Forrest County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Forrest County's composite risk score sits 27.1 points above the Mississippi county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Forrest County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Forrest County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Forrest County?
How does Forrest County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Forrest County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Forrest 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.