Scott County Disaster Risk
Scott County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Mississippi
Scott County moderately exceeds national risk baseline
Scott County scores 55.88 on the composite risk scale, modestly above the national average and placing it in the relatively low risk category overall. However, this score masks significant variation—hurricane risk reaches 81.56 and tornado risk stands at 78.37, substantially above typical U.S. levels. Scott residents should prioritize preparedness for wind-related hazards while managing broader natural disaster exposure.
Scott County ranks above Mississippi's state average
Scott County's 55.88 composite score exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's moderate-risk counties. The county's 81.56 hurricane risk is notably high compared to the state average, while tornado risk of 78.37 also exceeds typical Mississippi levels. This profile indicates Scott residents face above-average exposure to major wind-driven storms.
Scott County moderately outranks surrounding counties
Scott County's 55.88 composite score exceeds nearby Simpson County (50.95) but falls well below the higher-risk profile of Rankin County to the south (84.99). Scott's hurricane risk of 81.56 closely mirrors Simpson's 80.60, suggesting both counties share similar tropical storm vulnerability. However, Scott's tornado risk of 78.37 positions it slightly above Simpson's 76.72, indicating marginally greater wind exposure.
Hurricanes and tornadoes drive Scott County's risk
Scott County residents face hurricane risk of 81.56 and tornado risk of 78.37—two major wind-driven hazards that substantially exceed national averages. Flood risk of 42.02 provides a secondary concern, particularly during tropical systems and spring thunderstorms. These hazards should anchor emergency planning and home protection strategies.
Wind-resistant improvements protect Scott County homes
Homeowners should prioritize wind-resistant features including reinforced roof attachments, impact-resistant windows, and a designated safe room built to withstand tornado and hurricane forces. Flood insurance is advisable given Scott's 42.02 flood risk and the frequency of tropical systems affecting central Mississippi. Regular home inspections before each storm season identify vulnerabilities and upgrade opportunities.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scott County
Risk Verdict
Scott County's FEMA risk score places it at the 56th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile), flood (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 82th percentile nationally, Scott County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Scott County's tornado exposure at the 78th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Scott County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
Scott County sits within 4.9 composite points of the Mississippi state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Scott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scott County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Scott County?
How does Scott County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Scott County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Scott 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.