Starkville, Mississippi: natural disaster risk
How exposed Starkville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Oktibbeha County.
Starkville is a city of 25,721 people in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Oktibbeha County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $19.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 400 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 33 tornadoes and 52 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Oktibbeha County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Starkville
Full Oktibbeha 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $6M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $653K | |
| Hail | $634K | |
| Lightning | $473K | |
| Hurricane | $451K | |
| Ice storm | $193K | |
| Drought | $150K | |
| Winter weather | $88K |
Homes in Starkville
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 Oktibbeha County
Other cities in Mississippi
All ›Common questions about Starkville
Is Starkville safe from natural disasters?
Starkville is in Oktibbeha County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Starkville?
By expected yearly losses in Oktibbeha County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Oktibbeha County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Starkville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in Oktibbeha County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 11, 1963. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Starkville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Oktibbeha County, about 1.7% 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.