Pontotoc County Disaster Risk
Pontotoc County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pontotoc County, Mississippi
Pontotoc County sits near the national risk baseline
Pontotoc County's composite risk score of 50.10 aligns closely with the national average, indicating moderate but manageable exposure to natural disasters. This rating masks significant variation by hazard type—earthquake risk runs particularly high at 85.27 while flood risk remains relatively low. County residents should focus preparedness efforts on the specific threats most likely to impact their area.
Pontotoc County risk tracks just below state average
Pontotoc's 50.10 score falls just beneath Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it slightly below the middle of the state's risk distribution. This positioning means Pontotoc residents experience fewer natural disaster hazards than many other Mississippians, though several risks merit attention. The county's moderate profile suggests balanced but targeted preparedness is appropriate.
Pontotoc ranks among the safer counties in its region
Pontotoc County's 50.10 composite score compares favorably to Pike County's 70.42 to the south and Scott County's 55.88 to the southeast. Its earthquake risk of 85.27 is notably higher than tornado risk (77.23), contrasting with the profile of nearby counties where tornadoes pose greater threats. This unique hazard mix reflects Pontotoc's distinct geological position in northeast Mississippi.
Earthquakes and tornadoes require attention
Pontotoc County residents face an unusual combination of high earthquake risk (85.27) and moderate tornado risk (77.23), with hurricane exposure at 64.96. The earthquake risk is notably elevated compared to most U.S. counties, requiring careful attention to building safety and emergency planning. Both hazards demand preparedness protocols in homes and workplaces.
Earthquake safety and storm readiness matter in Pontotoc
Homeowners should secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls and understand how to safely shelter during earthquakes, given Pontotoc's 85.27 earthquake risk score. Tornado preparedness—including a safe room or basement shelter and a weather radio—remains equally essential with tornado risk at 77.23. Consider retrofitting older homes to improve structural resilience to both seismic and wind forces.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pontotoc County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pontotoc County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Pontotoc County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 50th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Pontotoc County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pontotoc County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (65th percentile), wildfire (45th percentile), flood (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 85th percentile nationally puts Pontotoc County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Tornado at the 77th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Pontotoc County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Pontotoc County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Pontotoc County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Mississippi county average, with a 0.8-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Pontotoc County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pontotoc County, MS?
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Is Pontotoc County a safe place to live?
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.