Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Mississippi
Madison County ranks among highest-risk areas
Madison County's composite risk score of 82.12 places it in the relatively moderate category, reflecting significant exposure to multiple major hazards. This score positions the county well above national averages and indicates serious disaster preparedness concerns.
One of Mississippi's most dangerous counties
At 82.12, Madison County's score substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it one of the state's highest-risk areas. The county's vulnerability spans multiple hazard types, with tornadoes and earthquakes driving much of the composite score.
Highest risk in the metro area
Madison County's 82.12 score exceeds all neighboring counties, including Lee County (81.27), Lincoln County (48.44), and Marion County (59.96). Madison's standout vulnerability is its extraordinary tornado risk of 95.77—the highest in its region and among the worst in the state.
Tornadoes and floods threaten residents
Madison County faces an extreme tornado risk of 95.77 and flood risk of 76.81, making it exceptionally vulnerable to severe weather events. Earthquakes also pose a significant long-term concern with a risk score of 74.49, indicating the county sits in an active seismic zone.
Strengthen storm resilience and get insurance
Madison County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage given the county's extraordinary tornado exposure, and should secure flood insurance immediately. Consider structural improvements like safe rooms or reinforced basements, and purchase separate earthquake coverage to address the county's complete hazard profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Madison County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 82th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Madison County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (77th percentile), earthquake (74th percentile), wildfire (54th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Madison County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 96th percentile nationally. In Madison County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 78th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Madison County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Madison County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Madison County households.
Regional Context
Madison County falls 31.2 points above Mississippi's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Madison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.