Yazoo County Disaster Risk
Yazoo County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Yazoo County, Mississippi
Yazoo's risk is slightly above the national average
With a composite risk score of 71.15 and a Relatively Low rating, Yazoo County faces moderate natural disaster risk that exceeds typical American counties. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazards, particularly severe tornadoes and significant hurricane potential.
Above-average risk for Mississippi
Yazoo County's composite risk score of 71.15 is 40% higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the more hazard-prone counties in the state. Tornado and hurricane risks drive much of this elevation above the state baseline.
Significantly riskier than neighboring Yalobusha
Yazoo's composite risk score of 71.15 towers over neighboring Yalobusha County's 19.53—nearly a 4-fold difference. This makes Yazoo substantially more exposed to natural disasters than surrounding counties, especially tornado activity.
Tornadoes and hurricanes demand attention
Yazoo County faces exceptional tornado risk with a score of 89.15 and significant hurricane risk at 70.50, making these the primary threats to residents and property. Flood risk of 48.54 and wildfire risk of 44.53 also warrant preparedness planning.
Comprehensive insurance and a safety plan are essential
Yazoo residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance given the 48.54 flood risk score. Designate a storm shelter or safe room and maintain an emergency kit stocked for tornado season and hurricane warnings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Yazoo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Yazoo County
Risk Verdict
Yazoo County ranks at the 71th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Yazoo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (63th percentile), flood (49th percentile), wildfire (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Yazoo County ranks at the 89th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Yazoo County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Yazoo County at the 71th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. Yazoo 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, Yazoo County runs 20.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Yazoo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Yazoo County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Yazoo County?
How does Yazoo County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Yazoo County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Yazoo County higher risk than average?
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.