Smith County Disaster Risk
Smith County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Smith County, Mississippi
Smith County's composite risk slightly below average
With a composite risk score of 47.20, Smith County ranks as Relatively Low—better than the national average. This positioning reflects a mixed hazard profile where some risks exceed national norms while others remain manageable.
Below-average risk in Mississippi's landscape
Smith County's score of 47.20 sits comfortably below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the lower half of risk exposure statewide. This favorable standing provides some protection relative to neighboring counties facing higher composite threats.
Smith County faces mixed risk compared to neighbors
Smith County's 47.20 score places it between safer Tishomingo County (37.09) to the north and riskier Sunflower County (69.62) to the west. The county's hurricane risk (83.90) notably exceeds that of inland neighbors, reflecting its proximity to Gulf coast threats.
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats
Smith County residents face outsized hurricane risk (83.90) and significant tornado exposure (71.15), both driven by seasonal weather patterns. Flood risk remains moderate (40.81), making these wind-driven hazards the primary concern for preparedness planning.
Prioritize wind and flood coverage now
Homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage as a baseline, given the 83.90 hurricane risk score. Adding flood insurance is prudent given moderate flood exposure, especially in low-lying areas near streams and tributaries.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Smith County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Smith County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Smith County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 47th percentile. At the 47th percentile nationally, Smith County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Smith County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (49th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), flood (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 84th percentile nationally makes Smith County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Smith County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Smith County's tornado exposure at the 71th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Smith County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Smith County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Mississippi county average, with a 3.7-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Smith County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Smith County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Smith County?
How does Smith County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
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Is Smith 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.