Walthall County Disaster Risk
Walthall County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Walthall County, Mississippi
Walthall County is among safest
Walthall County's composite risk score of 25.54 earns a very low rating, placing it well below the Mississippi state average of 50.94. This makes Walthall one of the safest counties in the state for natural disaster risk overall.
Top 10 safest county in Mississippi
Walthall County ranks among Mississippi's safest counties for natural disaster exposure, with its 25.54 score significantly below the state median. This favorable position reflects lower exposure to most major hazards affecting the region.
Safest in its immediate region
Walthall County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Wilkinson County (33.46) and significantly outpaces southern neighbors like Wayne County (55.66). This makes Walthall a relative safe zone within its geographic area.
Hurricanes and wildfires pose concern
Despite its overall low risk profile, Walthall County faces notable hurricane exposure (79.56) and elevated wildfire risk (66.67), likely due to its southern location and woodland coverage. Tornado risk (36.10) and earthquake threats (34.45) remain manageable by comparison.
Focus on hurricane preparedness
Walthall County residents should prioritize hurricane coverage and ensure standard homeowners policies account for wind damage from tropical systems. Consider a separate windstorm policy if standard coverage is limited, particularly given the county's 79.56 hurricane risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Walthall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Walthall County
Risk Verdict
Walthall County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 26th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 26th percentile nationally is an advantage for Walthall County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Walthall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (36th percentile), earthquake (34th percentile), flood (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Walthall County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 80th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Walthall County's wildfire exposure at the 67th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Walthall County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
The Mississippi county average exceeds Walthall County's score by 25.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Walthall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Walthall County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Walthall County?
How does Walthall County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Walthall County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Walthall 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.