Lowndes County Disaster Risk
Lowndes County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lowndes County, Mississippi
Lowndes County faces elevated composite risk
Lowndes County's composite risk score of 80.92 places it in the relatively low national category, yet this number masks significant exposure to specific high-impact hazards. The score represents considerable vulnerability concentrated in tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.
Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties
At 80.92, Lowndes County's score substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it firmly in the upper tier of statewide risk. This elevated standing reflects the county's distinctive profile of strong tornado exposure and significant seismic vulnerability.
Riskier than all adjacent counties
Lowndes County's 80.92 score far exceeds Monroe County (68.54), Lee County (81.27 is slightly higher), and Marshall County (71.18), positioning it as the region's most hazardous location. The critical difference lies in Lowndes' exceptionally high tornado risk of 90.97, among the state's worst.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose extreme threats
Lowndes County experiences a tornado risk of 90.97 and earthquake risk of 88.64, representing the two hazards most likely to cause significant damage. Additionally, flood risk reaches 78.15, making the county vulnerable during heavy rainfall and severe weather events.
Secure comprehensive hazard coverage today
Lowndes County residents must ensure homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for tornado protection and purchase separate earthquake insurance immediately. Verify flood insurance eligibility, particularly if your property lies in or near a flood zone, to protect against the county's serious water-related risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lowndes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lowndes County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lowndes County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 81th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lowndes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (78th percentile), hurricane (73th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 91th percentile nationally, Lowndes County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 89th percentile nationally means Lowndes County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Lowndes County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Lowndes County is 30.0 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 Lowndes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lowndes County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Lowndes County?
How does Lowndes County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Lowndes County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lowndes 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.