Jones County Disaster Risk
Jones County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jones County, Mississippi
Jones County faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 80.22 and a Relatively Low rating, Jones County ranks considerably higher than the national average on natural disaster exposure. The county's tornado risk (93.19) and hurricane risk (90.99) are both in the upper percentile nationally.
Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties
Jones County's 80.22 composite score ranks it well above Mississippi's average of 50.94, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. Tornado and hurricane risks are especially pronounced compared to most other Mississippi counties.
Riskier than most neighboring areas
Jones County's elevated risk profile (80.22) significantly exceeds nearby Kemper County (14.92) and Lawrence County (25.00) but aligns more closely with Leake County (55.69). The county's tornado and hurricane exposure sets it apart in the region.
Tornadoes and hurricanes drive risk profile
Tornadoes represent the most acute threat, with a risk score of 93.19, followed closely by hurricane risk at 90.99—both well above state averages. Flood risk (71.50) and wildfire risk (73.89) also merit serious consideration in Jones County.
Invest in storm shelters and insurance
With tornado risk near the national top tier, consider reinforced safe rooms or community shelters for severe weather season. Pair comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood and wind riders to cover the full range of hazards your county faces.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jones County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jones County
Risk Verdict
Jones County's FEMA risk score places it at the 80th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Jones County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jones County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (78th percentile), wildfire (74th percentile), flood (72th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 93th percentile nationally makes Jones County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Jones County at the 91th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. In Jones County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Mississippi county average is 29.3 composite points below Jones County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Jones County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jones County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Jones County?
How does Jones County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Jones County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jones 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.