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

Kemper County Disaster Risk

Kemper County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

15th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#77

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

9th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 56% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Kemper County, Mississippi

Kemper County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of just 14.92 and a Very Low rating, Kemper County is substantially safer than the national average across natural disasters. The county's flood risk (9.38) is exceptionally low, anchoring its overall safety profile.

Mississippi's lowest-risk county

Kemper County's 14.92 composite score is the lowest in Mississippi, sitting far below the state average of 50.94. The county's combination of low flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure distinguishes it statewide.

Safest in its region by far

Kemper County's very low risk (14.92) places it well below neighboring Jones County (80.22) and Lauderdale County (86.96), making it a relative haven for disaster resilience. Even regional peers like Lawrence County (25.00) carry substantially higher risk.

Hurricane and tornado risks warrant attention

Despite overall low risk, hurricane exposure scores 65.58 in Kemper County, making tropical storms a noteworthy secondary threat. Tornado risk (56.39) and earthquake risk (49.20) remain well below state averages.

Standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline

Kemper County residents benefit from minimal natural disaster exposure and can rely on standard homeowners policies as a foundation. However, even low-risk counties should verify coverage limits and consider flood insurance if located in mapped zones.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Kemper County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    66th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    56th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    49th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Kemper County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Kemper County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 15th percentile. At the 15th percentile nationally, Kemper County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Kemper County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), flood (9th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 66th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Kemper 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. Kemper County's tornado exposure at the 56th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Kemper 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

Kemper County is 36.0 composite risk points below the Mississippi state mean, meaning most other Mississippi counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Kemper 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 Kemper County, MS?
Kemper County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 15th 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 Kemper County?
Kemper County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (66th percentile), tornado (56th percentile), earthquake (49th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), flooding (9th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 66th 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 Kemper County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Kemper County's composite risk percentile is 15th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Kemper County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Kemper County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Kemper County's hurricane risk is at the 66th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Kemper County is at the 9th 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 Kemper County a safe place to live?
Kemper County's composite risk score of 15th 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 66th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Benton County

Mississippi

+0.3

Very Low

15th percentile

Sharkey County

Mississippi

+0.9

Very Low

16th percentile

Webster County

Mississippi

-2.3

Very Low

13th 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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