Jackson, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jackson is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hinds County.
Jackson is a city of 146,631 people in Hinds County, Mississippi. Parts of Jackson also reach into Rankin County and Madison County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hinds County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $117 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,443 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 127 tornadoes and 205 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hinds County, the county with most of the population Jackson sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jackson
Full Hinds County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $56M | |
| Tornado | $19M | |
| Hail | $13M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $719K | |
| Winter weather | $358K |
Homes in Jackson
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 Hinds County
More cities in Hinds County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Jackson
Is Jackson safe from natural disasters?
Jackson is in Hinds County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Jackson?
By expected yearly losses in Hinds County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), hail (Very High). Hinds County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jackson get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 127 tornadoes in Hinds County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on March 3, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Jackson?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hinds County, about 2.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.