Oxford, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Oxford is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lafayette County.
Oxford is a city of 26,411 people in Lafayette County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lafayette County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $25.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 367 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 25 tornadoes and 29 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lafayette County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Oxford
Full Lafayette 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $664K | |
| Lightning | $648K | |
| Hurricane | $245K | |
| Hail | $213K | |
| Ice storm | $88K | |
| Wildfire | $45K | |
| Landslide | $43K |
Homes in Oxford
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 Lafayette County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Oxford
Is Oxford safe from natural disasters?
Oxford is in Lafayette County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Oxford?
By expected yearly losses in Lafayette County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Lafayette County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Oxford get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in Lafayette County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on February 5, 2008 near College Hill Station. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Oxford?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lafayette County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.