Pike County Disaster Risk
Pike County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% 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 53% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pike County, Mississippi
Pike County's composite risk ranks above national average
Pike County scores 70.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national baseline and making it one of Mississippi's higher-risk counties. This rating reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires that residents should prepare for. Understanding your specific hazards is the first step toward protecting your family and property.
Pike County ranks high among all Mississippi counties
At 70.42, Pike County's composite risk score substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, positioning it in the upper tier of the state's 82 counties. This means Pike residents face greater natural disaster exposure than most of their neighbors statewide. Only a handful of Mississippi counties experience comparable risk levels.
Pike County faces steeper risks than nearby counties
Pike County's 70.42 composite score significantly outpaces neighbors like Simpson County (50.95) and Scott County (55.88) to the north. Pike's tornado risk of 90.08 and hurricane risk of 87.23 are notably higher than those adjacent counties, reflecting its more vulnerable geography. This elevation in risk sets Pike apart in the region.
Tornadoes and hurricanes pose the greatest threats
Pike County residents face a tornado risk of 90.08 and a hurricane risk of 87.23—both exceptionally high scores demanding serious preparation and warning awareness. Wildfire risk also registers at 71.53, posing a secondary but meaningful threat, particularly during dry seasons. These three hazards should anchor your family's emergency planning.
Comprehensive coverage protects Pike County homes
Homeowners in Pike County should prioritize flood insurance, windstorm coverage, and a well-maintained safe room or storm shelter given the county's tornado and hurricane exposure. Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood and wind damage, leaving gaps that cost thousands when storms strike. Review your coverage now and close any gaps before the next storm season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pike County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pike County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 70th, Pike County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pike County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (72th percentile), flood (65th percentile), earthquake (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 90th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Pike County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary hurricane hazard at the 87th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Pike County's preparedness calendar, since hurricane and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Pike County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 19.5 points above the Mississippi state average, Pike County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Mississippi county.
Is your household prepared for Pike County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pike County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Pike County?
How does Pike County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Pike County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pike 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.