Pearl, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pearl is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rankin County.
Pearl is a city of 27,737 people in Rankin County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rankin County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hail, with about $60.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,364 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 114 tornadoes and 246 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 23 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Rankin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pearl
Full Rankin 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 | $21M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Hail | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $755K | |
| Drought | $440K | |
| Winter weather | $244K |
Homes in Pearl
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 Rankin County
More cities in Rankin County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Pearl
Is Pearl safe from natural disasters?
Pearl is in Rankin 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 Pearl?
By expected yearly losses in Rankin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), hail (High). Rankin County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pearl get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 114 tornadoes in Rankin 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 Pearl?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rankin County, about 2.3% 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.