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Biloxi, Mississippi: natural disaster risk

How exposed Biloxi is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Harrison County.

Relatively High overall risk
48,861people
Hurricanetop hazard
35federal declarations, Harrison County
91tornadoes in the county since 1950
24hurricanes within 65 miles since 1852
Photo: CC0

Biloxi is a city of 48,861 people in Harrison County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Harrison County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $155 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 551 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 91 tornadoes and 95 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 24 hurricanes and 37 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 9 of them major. About 14.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Harrison County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Hurricane

Very High
$86.6 million a year in the county
  • Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
  • Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
$33.2 million a year in the county
  • Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
  • Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
$11.2 million a year in the county
  • Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
HurricaneVery High$87M
Inland floodingModerate$33M
TornadoHigh$11M
Coastal floodingHigh$6M
Heat waveModerate$5M
Cold waveModerate$5M
WildfireModerate$3M
LightningVery High$2M
Strong windHigh$1M
HailModerate$1M
EarthquakeLow$662K
Ice stormModerate$233K

Homes in Biloxi

Median home value$225,100
Harrison County median$212,200
Median year built1990
Built before 198039%
Mobile homes4.9%

Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.

Strongest tornadoes in Harrison County

1967F34 killed
1980F325 hurt
1980F34 hurt

Common questions about Biloxi

Is Biloxi safe from natural disasters?

Biloxi is in Harrison County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Biloxi?

By expected yearly losses in Harrison County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High). Harrison County has been part of 35 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Biloxi get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 91 tornadoes in Harrison County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on October 30, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.

Do I need flood insurance in Biloxi?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Harrison County, about 14.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.