riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Hinds County Disaster Risk

Hinds County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

94th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

95th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Hinds County, Mississippi

Hinds County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 94.31, Hinds County ranks as relatively moderate nationally—well above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's elevated score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Among Mississippi's riskiest counties

Hinds County ranks in the top tier of Mississippi counties for overall disaster risk, trailing only Jackson County. This high ranking means residents face notably greater natural hazard exposure than most other Mississippians.

Significantly riskier than rural neighbors

Hinds County's risk score of 94.31 far exceeds nearby counties like Rankin and Madison, reflecting its more urbanized profile and concentrated infrastructure. Neighboring rural counties average composite scores below 50, making Hinds a notable risk outlier in central Mississippi.

Tornadoes and flooding pose greatest threats

Tornado risk stands at 98.16, the highest hazard facing Hinds residents, while flood risk of 95.13 creates secondary but serious danger, especially during severe weather seasons. Earthquake risk (90.94) and hurricane exposure (86.36) round out four significant hazards requiring preparedness attention.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood and earthquake damage, leaving most Hinds County homes dangerously underinsured. Consider adding separate flood and earthquake policies immediately, and ensure your coverage is adequate for rebuilding, not just current market value.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Hinds County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    95th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    91th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Hinds County

Risk Verdict

Hinds County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. 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 Hinds County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (91th percentile), hurricane (86th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Hinds County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 98th percentile nationally. For Hinds 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Hinds County at the 95th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Hinds County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Hinds County's composite risk score sits 43.4 points above the Mississippi county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Hinds County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Hinds County, MS?
Hinds County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 94th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Hinds County?
Hinds County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (98th percentile), flooding (95th percentile), earthquake (91th percentile), hurricane (86th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 98th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Hinds County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Hinds County's composite risk percentile is 94th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Hinds County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Hinds County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Hinds County's tornado risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Hinds County is at the 95th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Hinds County higher risk than average?
Hinds County's composite risk score of 94th percentile is above the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (98th percentile), along with flooding and earthquake and hurricane and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Harrison County

Mississippi

+1.3

Relatively High

96th percentile

Jackson County

Mississippi

-2.0

Relatively Moderate

92th percentile

DeSoto County

Mississippi

-5.3

Relatively Moderate

89th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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