Simpson County Disaster Risk
Simpson County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Simpson County, Mississippi
Simpson County aligns with national risk average
Simpson County scores 50.95 on the composite risk scale, essentially matching the national average and indicating moderate, balanced hazard exposure. The county's hurricane risk of 80.60 and tornado risk of 76.72 substantially exceed national norms, yet flood and earthquake risks remain closer to average. This profile suggests Simpson residents should focus preparedness on wind-driven storm hazards.
Simpson County ranks nearly at state average
Simpson County's 50.95 composite score virtually matches Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it precisely in the middle of the state's hazard distribution. The county's 80.60 hurricane risk exceeds state average, while its 76.72 tornado risk aligns closely with typical Mississippi exposure. Simpson's profile represents the archetypal mid-tier Mississippi county for natural disaster risk.
Simpson County shares risk profile with nearby areas
Simpson County's 50.95 composite score closely mirrors Scott County's 55.88 to the east, both counties facing similar wind-driven storm exposure with hurricane risks around 80. However, Simpson ranks substantially safer than Rankin County to the south (84.99), which faces dramatically higher tornado risk. Simpson's moderate positioning reflects its central location among counties with varying hazard profiles.
Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate Simpson's threats
Simpson County residents face hurricane risk of 80.60 and tornado risk of 76.72—two major wind hazards that substantially exceed national averages and demand serious preparation. Flood risk of 51.56 adds a meaningful secondary concern, particularly during spring storms and tropical systems. These three hazards together define the county's natural disaster landscape.
Wind and water protection essential for Simpson County
Homeowners should ensure their properties have reinforced roofing, secure garage doors, and a designated safe room to protect against both tornadoes and hurricane-force winds. Flood insurance is advisable given Simpson's 51.56 flood risk and the frequency of moisture-laden storms in central Mississippi. Schedule annual home inspections to identify vulnerabilities and maintain structural integrity through storm seasons.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Simpson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Simpson County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 51th, Simpson County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Simpson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Simpson County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Tornado at the 77th percentile nationally is Simpson County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Simpson County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Simpson County tracks the Mississippi county average closely, sitting 0.0 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Mississippi.
Is your household prepared for Simpson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Simpson County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Simpson County?
How does Simpson County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Simpson County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Simpson 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.