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

Warren County Disaster Risk

Warren County, Mississippi

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

86th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#6

of 82 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

73th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 92% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Warren County, Mississippi

Warren County faces moderate hazards

Warren County's composite risk score of 86.29 earns a relatively moderate rating, placing it significantly above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. This elevated score reflects multiple serious hazards that residents should understand and prepare for.

High-risk county in Mississippi

Warren County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Mississippi, with its 86.29 score positioning it in the top tier of disaster exposure. Only a handful of Mississippi counties face comparably severe natural hazard combinations.

Riskiest in its region

Warren County's risk profile significantly exceeds nearby Union County (43.51) and most other surrounding areas, making it the riskiest county in its immediate vicinity. Only Washington County (82.98) approaches similar threat levels nearby.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Warren County residents face extreme tornado risk (91.73), among the highest in the state, combined with substantial flood exposure (72.84) from the Mississippi River. Earthquake (74.30) and hurricane (74.13) risks round out a serious threat profile.

Essential: flood and wind coverage

Warren County homeowners must secure comprehensive flood insurance given the 72.84 flood risk score—standard policies don't cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy includes strong wind and hail coverage to protect against the county's 91.73 tornado threat.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Warren County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    92th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    74th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    74th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Warren County

Risk Verdict

Warren County's overall risk score at the 86th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Warren County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (74th percentile), flood (73th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Warren County ranks at the 92th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Warren County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 74th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Warren County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Warren County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.

Regional Context

Compared to other Mississippi counties, Warren County runs 35.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Warren 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 Warren County, MS?
Warren County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 86th 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 Warren County?
Warren County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (92th percentile), earthquake (74th percentile), hurricane (74th percentile), flooding (73th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 92th 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 Warren County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Warren County's composite risk percentile is 86th, compared to the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Warren County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Mississippi.
Is Warren County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Warren County's tornado risk is at the 92th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Warren County is at the 73th 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 Warren County higher risk than average?
Warren County's composite risk score of 86th percentile is above the Mississippi state average of 51th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (92th percentile), along with earthquake 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

Pearl River County

Mississippi

-0.2

Relatively Moderate

86th percentile

Lauderdale County

Mississippi

+0.7

Relatively Moderate

87th percentile

Rankin County

Mississippi

-1.3

Relatively Moderate

85th 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.

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