Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
23th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Mississippi
Franklin County has very low disaster risk
Franklin County's composite risk score of 17.33 places it among the safest counties nationwide, far below the national average. This very low rating indicates substantially reduced exposure to most major natural hazard types.
Mississippi's lowest-risk county
Franklin County's score of 17.33 dramatically undercuts Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. Residents benefit from significantly lower disaster vulnerability compared to peers across Mississippi.
Substantially safer than surrounding counties
Franklin County's 17.33 score is a fraction of Forrest County's 78.05 to the north and Greene County's 42.18 to the northeast. The county stands as an exceptional low-risk pocket within its region.
Hurricane risk remains the top concern
Even in Franklin County, hurricane risk at 69.88 stands notably higher than other hazards, reflecting coastal moisture patterns and weather systems. Flood risk (23.19) and wildfire risk (40.71) present minimal exposure by comparison.
Standard coverage is largely sufficient here
Franklin County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Still maintain basic hurricane and flood awareness, and review your policy annually to ensure coverage keeps pace with home values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
At the 17th percentile nationally, Franklin County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 17th percentile, Franklin 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
Hurricane risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (41th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), flood (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Franklin County ranks at the 70th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Tornado at the 57th percentile nationally is Franklin County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For extended post-storm outages common in Franklin County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.6 points below the Mississippi state average puts Franklin County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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Is Franklin 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.