Kemper County, Mississippi Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Kemper County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 14.9, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Kemper County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 14.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $254K in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.82 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $141K in expected annual loss and about 15.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kemper County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Kemper County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 7 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in February 2026.
Among 82 Mississippi counties, Kemper County ranks #77 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.09 / yr | $254K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.82 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 15.25 / yr | $141K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.00 / yr | $695K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.49 / yr | $980 |
| Heat Wave | Low | 10.84 / yr | $261K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $179K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.74 / yr | $52K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.49 / yr | $341K |
| Lightning | Low | 70.49 / yr | $110K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.36 / yr | $94K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 2.58 / yr | $14K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.57 / yr | $864K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kemper County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Winter Storm in February 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (5), Winter Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ida |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ida |
| May 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isaac |
| April 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Associated Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kemper County?
Kemper County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 14.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kemper County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $254K EAL), Tornado (Low, $1M EAL), Drought (Low, $141K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kemper County compare to other Mississippi counties?
Kemper County ranks #77 of 82 Mississippi counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kemper County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Kemper County since 1974, most often 7 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in February 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Kemper County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.