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

Issaquena County Disaster Risk

Issaquena County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

8th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#82

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

10th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 10% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 29% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Issaquena County, Mississippi

Issaquena County faces minimal national disaster risk

Issaquena County's composite risk score of 7.98 ranks among the very safest communities in the nation for natural disasters—84% below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's remote location and sparse development create exceptionally low exposure across all hazard categories.

Mississippi's safest community

Issaquena County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Mississippi by a substantial margin, with exposure far below every other state community. Residents face genuinely minimal natural disaster risk compared to virtually any other Mississippi location.

Safest in an already-safe region

Issaquena County's score of 7.98 makes it even safer than nearby Humphreys County (27.93) and Washington County, positioning it as the Delta's safest community. The region's low-elevation landscape and limited infrastructure mean residents face exceptionally limited hazard exposure.

Hurricane exposure dominates minimal risk profile

Even in Issaquena County's very-low-risk environment, hurricane risk (60.53) emerges as the largest hazard component, though still well below typical national exposure. Tornado (29.42), earthquake (37.21), and flood (10.18) risks all remain minimal for county residents.

Basic preparedness suffices for safety

Issaquena County's exceptional safety profile means residents can focus on straightforward preparedness: a basic emergency kit and awareness of hurricane season. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection in this community with minimal natural disaster exposure.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Issaquena County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    61th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    37th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    29th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Issaquena County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Issaquena County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 8th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Issaquena County's favorable 8th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Issaquena County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (29th percentile), flood (10th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 61th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Issaquena County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Earthquake at the 37th percentile nationally is Issaquena County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Issaquena County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.

Regional Context

Issaquena County is 43.0 composite risk points below the Mississippi state mean, meaning most other Mississippi counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Issaquena 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 Issaquena County, MS?
Issaquena County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 8th 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 Issaquena County?
Issaquena County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (61th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), flooding (10th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 61th 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 Issaquena County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Issaquena County's composite risk percentile is 8th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Issaquena County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Issaquena County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Issaquena County's hurricane risk is at the 61th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Issaquena County is at the 10th 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.
Is Issaquena County a safe place to live?
Issaquena County's composite risk score of 8th percentile is below the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 61th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.