Tate County, Mississippi Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 41th
Tate County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 41.2, 41th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Tate County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 41.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 41st 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 earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 20.89 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.24 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Tate County has a medium 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Tate County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in February 2026.
Among 82 Mississippi counties, Tate County ranks #54 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 20.89 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.24 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $69K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.60 / yr | $2K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.26 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 12.69 / yr | $130K |
| Lightning | Low | 62.89 / yr | $196K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $43K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.65 / yr | $36K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.80 / yr | $114K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.28 / yr | $240K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.93 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.47 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Tate County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Winter Storm in February 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Hurricane (4), 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 |
| April 2020 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Associated Flooding |
| August 2008 | Hurricane | Hurricane Gustav |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Tate County?
Tate County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 41.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 41th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Tate County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $1M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Tate County compare to other Mississippi counties?
Tate County ranks #54 of 82 Mississippi counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Tate County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Tate County since 1973, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 for hurricane 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. Tate County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.