Jackson Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 331,332 and a calculated risk score of 88.8, Jackson faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Jackson, MS. Calling Jackson home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to river flooding.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 88.820, Jackson requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Jackson Area
Meteorological data for Mississippi confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating river flooding. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.2. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Mississippi, tornadoes constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 97.4 is statistically significant. For new residents, understanding the severity of tornadoes in their specific zip code is vital.
When analyzing the risk profile of Mississippi, Jackson's geography makes it particularly susceptible to heat wave risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 93.0. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Jackson? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Jackson
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Jackson. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Jackson

Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | 95.1 | Gulfport and Jackson share similar regional risks, but our data gives Jackson the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Jackson?
With a risk score of 98.2 for River Flooding, Jackson is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Jackson safer than other cities in Mississippi?
It varies by hazard. While Jackson has its own risk profile (Total Score: 88.8), it is generally comparable to the average in Mississippi. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Jackson given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 97.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Jackson is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Jackson compare to other cities in Mississippi?
See the full Mississippi Disaster Rankings to see how Jackson stacks up against other cities in the state.