Rankin County Disaster Risk
Rankin County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rankin County, Mississippi
Rankin County faces elevated disaster risk nationwide
Rankin County scores 84.99 on the composite risk scale, placing it substantially above the national average and in the relatively moderate risk category. This high score reflects serious exposure to tornadoes (94.66) and hurricanes (81.52), making Rankin one of the most hazard-prone counties in Mississippi. Residents should treat disaster preparedness as an essential part of daily life.
Rankin County ranks among Mississippi's riskiest
At 84.99, Rankin County's composite risk dramatically exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's top tier of high-risk counties. The county's 94.66 tornado risk is among the highest in Mississippi, while its 81.52 hurricane risk further compounds exposure. Only a handful of Mississippi counties face comparable natural disaster threats.
Rankin County significantly outranks nearby areas
Rankin County's 84.99 composite score far exceeds neighboring Scott County (55.88) and Simpson County (50.95) to the north and east. Rankin's 94.66 tornado risk is particularly alarming—nearly 17 points higher than Scott County's 78.37 and nearly 18 points above Simpson's 76.72. This positioning makes Rankin distinctly the highest-risk county in its immediate region.
Tornadoes and hurricanes demand constant vigilance
Rankin County residents face tornado risk of 94.66 and hurricane risk of 81.52—the county's two dominant natural disaster threats that dwarf all other hazards. Flood risk of 79.64 adds a tertiary concern, particularly during spring storms and tropical systems. These three hazards together create an environment where multi-hazard preparedness is non-negotiable.
Multi-hazard protection is essential for Rankin County
Homeowners should invest in a reinforced safe room or interior bathroom shelter designed to withstand both tornadoes and high winds from hurricanes, given Rankin's 94.66 tornado and 81.52 hurricane scores. Flood insurance is critical, with 79.64 flood risk substantially above state average—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Review and strengthen your coverage annually, before each storm season begins.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rankin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rankin County
Risk Verdict
Rankin County's overall risk score at the 85th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Rankin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), flood (80th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Rankin County ranks at the 95th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Rankin County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Rankin County at the 82th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. Rankin County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Mississippi counties, Rankin County runs 34.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Rankin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rankin County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Rankin County?
How does Rankin County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Rankin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rankin 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.