Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Mississippi
Jackson County faces elevated national disaster risk
Jackson County's composite risk score of 92.33 ranks as relatively moderate nationally—81% above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. Hurricane exposure (97.79) and wildfire risk (94.15) drive this elevated profile, making the coastal county uniquely vulnerable.
Mississippi's riskiest county overall
Jackson County ranks as the highest-risk county in Mississippi for natural disasters, narrowly ahead of Hinds County. Residents face significantly greater hazard exposure than virtually any other Mississippian, requiring comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Far riskier than inland neighbors
Jackson County's score of 92.33 vastly exceeds nearby inland counties like Harrison and Pearl River, reflecting its critical coastal location. The county's exposure to Atlantic hurricanes and proximity to Gulf weather systems create hazards absent in neighboring inland communities.
Hurricanes and wildfires dominate threats
Hurricane risk of 97.79 stands as Jackson County's most severe hazard—among the highest in the nation—while wildfire risk of 94.15 creates a secondary major threat. Flood (86.83) and tornado (89.98) risks round out four serious hazards requiring distinct preparedness strategies.
Comprehensive coverage is essential here
Jackson County homeowners must maintain both flood insurance and windstorm coverage—critical protections standard policies frequently exclude. Review your policy annually and ensure coverage limits reflect actual rebuilding costs, not outdated valuations, given the county's exceptional hurricane exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jackson County at the 92th 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 Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (90th percentile), flood (87th percentile), earthquake (58th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 98th percentile nationally makes Jackson County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Jackson County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 94th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Jackson County independent of hurricane season. Jackson 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
Jackson County is 41.4 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 Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Jackson County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jackson 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.