Quitman County Disaster Risk
Quitman County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#73
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Quitman County, Mississippi
Quitman County ranks among America's safest
Quitman County scores just 18.51 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national average and in the very low risk category. This exceptional rating reflects manageable exposure across most natural hazard types, with flood risk at 15.81 and wildfire risk at only 28.12. Quitman residents enjoy substantially lower disaster exposure than the typical American county.
Quitman County is Mississippi's safest county
At 18.51, Quitman County's composite risk score ranks dramatically below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it the clear standout for low hazard exposure statewide. This safety advantage persists across flood, wildfire, and tornado categories, where Quitman scores are well below state norms. Quitman residents benefit from geography and geology that produce exceptionally low natural disaster risk.
Quitman stands far safer than surrounding counties
Quitman County's 18.51 composite score vastly outperforms neighbors like Pontotoc (50.10) and Prentiss (51.53), offering residents roughly one-third the risk exposure. Even its highest individual hazard risk—earthquake at 75.83—remains lower than the composite scores of adjacent counties. Quitman's protected position in northwest Mississippi creates a uniquely favorable risk profile.
Earthquake risk poses Quitman's main concern
While Quitman County's overall risk is remarkably low, earthquake hazard reaches 75.83—the county's highest individual risk score, though still manageable. Tornado risk of 56.90 and hurricane risk of 55.82 are both well below state averages, providing secondary considerations. The county's exceptional flood safety (15.81) and minimal wildfire threat (28.12) distinguish Quitman from virtually all other Mississippi counties.
Standard preparation suffices in Quitman County
Even in low-risk Quitman County, homeowners should maintain a basic emergency kit and weather radio, plus simple earthquake safety measures like securing heavy furniture. Standard homeowners insurance without special riders typically provides adequate coverage for Quitman's modest hazard profile. Focus preparedness efforts on earthquake awareness rather than elaborate storm shelters or specialized flood insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Quitman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Quitman County
Risk Verdict
Quitman County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 19th percentile nationally. Quitman County's 19th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Quitman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (56th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile), flood (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Quitman County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Alongside earthquake exposure, Quitman County's tornado risk at the 57th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Quitman County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
The Mississippi county average exceeds Quitman County's score by 32.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Quitman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Quitman County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Quitman County?
How does Quitman County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Quitman County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Quitman 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.