Natural Disaster Risk in Hattiesburg

Natural Hazard Profile: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg is a city of approximately 44,620 residents in Lamar County, in the Deep South. The area experiences very hot, humid summers and mild winters, with overlapping tornado and hurricane seasons shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Hattiesburg.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Hattiesburg carries an overall risk score of 6.5/10, placing it in the high category. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and heat.

Hattiesburg's risk score, slightly above the 6.1/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Lamar County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, wildfire, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Hattiesburg residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.