Natural Disaster Risk in Hickory Flat
Mississippi
Risk Summary for Hickory Flat
Hickory Flat scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Hickory Flat, Mississippi
Located in the interior eastern United States in Benton County, Hickory Flat is a small community of about 2,212. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Mississippi — marked by very hot, humid summers and mild winters — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Hickory Flat a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Hickory Flat's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. Secondary hazards include landslide and tornado.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Hickory Flat's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 6.1/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by earthquake and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Benton County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, Hickory Flat residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for earthquake is recommended.
What this means for Hickory Flat: Earthquake preparedness
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
Local Factors for Hickory Flat
These city-level factors differentiate Hickory Flat from other communities in Benton County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,212
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 34.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.7/10
Coordinates
34.6421° N, 89.1967° W
Benton County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Hickory Flat
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Hickory Flat
Other cities in Mississippi
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.