Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% 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 47% 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 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Mississippi
Union County's moderate risk profile
Union County scores 43.51 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low range and well below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. While this county faces fewer overall hazards than most of its peers, certain localized risks still warrant attention from residents.
Middle-of-the-pack risk in Mississippi
Union County ranks in the lower-middle tier among Mississippi's 82 counties for natural disaster risk. Its 43.51 score indicates meaningful hazard exposure, particularly compared to the state's safest counties but more favorable than high-risk neighbors to the south and west.
Safer than Warren, riskier than Webster
Union County's risk profile sits between its contrasting neighbors: Warren County (86.29) faces significantly higher tornado and earthquake threats, while Webster County (12.60) is among Mississippi's safest. This strategic location offers relative protection from the worst regional hazards.
Earthquakes and tornadoes top the list
Union County residents face the highest exposure to earthquakes (85.08) and tornadoes (47.36), reflecting its position near the Mississippi River seismic zone and Tornado Alley's reach. Flood risk remains moderate at 38.10, though wildfire exposure (47.26) deserves attention during dry seasons.
Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage
Given Union County's earthquake risk score of 85.08, homeowners should ensure their policies include earthquake coverage—a critical gap for many residents. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but verify your deductibles and consider a separate flood policy if you live near waterways or low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
At the 44th percentile nationally, Union County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. A 44th percentile score positions Union County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (47th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), flood (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Union County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 85th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Hurricane at the 62th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Union County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Union County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Mississippi county average, Union County's composite score runs 7.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Union County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Union 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.