Sharkey County Disaster Risk
Sharkey County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#75
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sharkey County, Mississippi
Sharkey County ranks among America's lowest-risk areas
Sharkey County scores just 15.81 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national average and in the very low risk category. The county's wildfire risk of just 2.04 is nearly unmeasurable, and flood risk of 12.18 is exceptionally low despite its location in the Mississippi Delta. Sharkey residents enjoy exceptional protection from most natural disasters.
Sharkey County is Mississippi's second-safest county
At 15.81, Sharkey County's composite risk is nearly identical to Quitman County (18.51), both ranking dramatically below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. Sharkey's particularly low wildfire risk (2.04) and flood risk (12.18) create a uniquely protected hazard profile for the Delta region. Few Mississippi counties can claim such favorable natural disaster exposure.
Sharkey County stands as a low-risk exception
Sharkey County's 15.81 composite score vastly outperforms all adjacent counties, including Simpson (50.95), Scott (55.88), and other surrounding areas with composite scores 3-4 times higher. Sharkey's specific geography—located in the flat, moist Mississippi Delta—naturally shields it from wildfire and tornado risks that plague surrounding upland counties. This exceptional positioning creates some of the state's safest conditions for residents.
Hurricane risk is Sharkey's primary concern
Sharkey County's hurricane risk of 63.75 represents its highest individual hazard score, though still substantially below state averages for that specific threat. Tornado risk at 45.29 and earthquake risk at 45.01 are both exceptionally low, while flood and wildfire risks are nearly nonexistent. The county's Delta location provides natural protection from most classic natural disaster hazards.
Minimal specialized coverage needed in Sharkey County
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for Sharkey County's modest hazard profile, with focus on hurricane awareness rather than elaborate mitigation. Residents should maintain a basic emergency kit and weather radio, plus understanding of hurricane evacuation procedures should distant storms approach. The county's unusually low risk allows homeowners to allocate resources to other priorities with confidence.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sharkey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sharkey County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Sharkey County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 16th percentile. A 16th percentile score positions Sharkey County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sharkey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), flood (12th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 64th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Sharkey County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 45th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Sharkey County independent of hurricane season. For Sharkey County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Sharkey County is 35.1 composite risk points below the Mississippi state mean, meaning most other Mississippi counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Sharkey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sharkey County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Sharkey County?
How does Sharkey County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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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.