Hancock County Disaster Risk
Hancock County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hancock County, Mississippi
Hancock County faces substantial disaster risk
Hancock County's composite risk score of 82.73 and relatively moderate rating place it well above the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county experiences significant vulnerability across multiple disaster categories, requiring proactive resident preparedness.
Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties
At 82.73, Hancock County scores notably higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper tier of the state's risk distribution. Residents face substantially greater disaster exposure than the typical Mississippi county.
Riskier than inland counties, comparable to coast
Hancock County's 82.73 score significantly exceeds Franklin County's 17.33 and Greene County's 42.18 to the north, while closely approaching Harrison County's 95.61 on the coast. The county represents a high-risk zone within its region.
Hurricanes, wildfire, and flooding dominate
Hancock County faces exceptional hurricane risk at 95.24, wildfire risk at 90.43, and severe flood risk at 86.20—a dangerous trio reflecting coastal and low-lying geography. Tornado risk at 76.56 adds a fourth significant threat to homes and infrastructure.
Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical
Hancock County homeowners must secure robust coverage for wind, water, and fire damage, with flood insurance essential given the 86.20 flood risk score. Review policies annually, maintain defensible space around structures, and keep comprehensive emergency supplies and plans current.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hancock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hancock County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hancock County at the 83th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Hancock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (86th percentile), tornado (77th percentile), earthquake (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 95th percentile nationally makes Hancock County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Hancock County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Hancock County's wildfire exposure at the 90th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hancock County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Hancock County is 31.8 composite risk points above the Mississippi average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Hancock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hancock County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Hancock County?
How does Hancock County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Hancock County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hancock 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.