riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Sunflower County Disaster Risk

Sunflower County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

70th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#21

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

55th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 81% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Sunflower County, Mississippi

Sunflower County's risk exceeds national average

With a composite risk score of 69.62, Sunflower County ranks Relatively Low but substantially above the national average, reflecting concentrated hazard exposure. This elevated positioning stems primarily from tornado (81.08) and earthquake (85.02) risks that significantly surpass typical U.S. levels.

Sunflower County among Mississippi's higher-risk areas

Sunflower County's 69.62 score stands well above Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk. This makes it one of the more hazard-exposed counties despite its Relatively Low national rating.

Sunflower County's risks significantly exceed region

Sunflower County's 69.62 score substantially exceeds safer Tate County (41.22) and Tallahatchie County (40.08), making it the highest-risk county in its vicinity. Both its tornado (81.08) and earthquake (85.02) exposures stand far above neighboring averages.

Earthquake and tornado threats lead hazards

Sunflower County residents confront exceptional earthquake risk (85.02) and significant tornado exposure (81.08), with moderate flood risk (54.99) adding complexity. Wildfire remains minimal (19.34), allowing residents to focus preparedness on seismic and wind-driven events.

Earthquake and tornado coverage absolutely critical

With earthquake risk at 85.02 and tornado risk at 81.08, homeowners need specialized earthquake insurance and comprehensive wind coverage beyond standard policies. Flood insurance is advisable in low-lying areas given the 54.99 flood risk score.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Sunflower County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    81th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    74th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Sunflower County

Risk Verdict

Sunflower County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Sunflower County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Sunflower County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (74th percentile), flood (55th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Sunflower County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Tornado at the 81th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Sunflower County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Sunflower County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Sunflower County's composite risk score sits 18.7 points above the Mississippi county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Sunflower County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Sunflower County, MS?
Sunflower County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Sunflower County?
Sunflower County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (85th percentile), tornado (81th percentile), hurricane (74th percentile), flooding (55th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 85th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Sunflower County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Sunflower County's composite risk percentile is 70th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Sunflower County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Sunflower County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Sunflower County's earthquake risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Sunflower County is at the 55th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Sunflower County higher risk than average?
Sunflower County's composite risk score of 70th percentile is above the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (85th percentile), along with tornado and hurricane and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Panola County

Mississippi

-0.4

Relatively Low

69th percentile

Pike County

Mississippi

+0.8

Relatively Low

70th percentile

Monroe County

Mississippi

-1.1

Relatively Low

69th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

Explore more data for Sunflower County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score