Mississippi County Disaster Risk
Mississippi County, Missouri
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 115 (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
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mississippi County, Missouri
Mississippi County faces above-average risk
Mississippi County's composite risk score of 57.19 places it in the "Relatively Low" category with exposure above the national median. Earthquake risk drives much of this score, creating a distinctive hazard profile for the region.
Upper-middle risk tier in Missouri
Mississippi's score of 57.19 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it as a higher-risk county. Its unique earthquake exposure—scoring 93.51—distinguishes it sharply from typical Missouri hazard profiles.
Earthquake risk sets it apart regionally
Mississippi's 93.51 earthquake score far exceeds neighboring New Madrid (96.12) and most surrounding counties, reflecting proximity to seismic zones. Its tornado risk of 67.97 aligns with regional patterns, but earthquake threatens this county distinctly.
Earthquake dominates Mississippi's hazards
Earthquake risk scores an exceptional 93.51, making it Mississippi's primary natural disaster threat by far. Tornado risk at 67.97 poses secondary concern, while wildfire and flood risks remain minimal at 1.59 and 25.51 respectively.
Earthquake insurance is essential here
Mississippi County's extreme earthquake risk makes dedicated earthquake coverage non-negotiable for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection. Securing furniture, bracing water heaters, and anchoring cabinets provide critical structural safeguards against seismic events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mississippi County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mississippi County
Risk Verdict
Mississippi County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 57th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Mississippi County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Mississippi County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (35th percentile), flood (26th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Mississippi County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Mississippi County's tornado risk at the 68th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. For Mississippi County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 6.6 points above the Missouri state average puts Mississippi County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Mississippi County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mississippi County, MO?
What types of natural hazards affect Mississippi County?
How does Mississippi County risk compare to the Missouri average?
Is Mississippi County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mississippi 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.