Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The city of Hattiesburg has earned an improved score in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS), moving from Class 8 to Class 7. This advancement means that beginning April 1, 2026, most property owners with flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will receive a 15% discount on their premiums.

The Community Rating System is a voluntary program within the NFIP that rewards communities for implementing floodplain management practices that exceed the federal minimum requirements. By earning points in areas such as flood prevention, stormwater management, public outreach and property protection, communities can reduce both flood risks and insurance costs for residents.

“Reducing flood risk is a priority for Hattiesburg, and this improved CRS rating is the result of years of hard work by multiple departments,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Not only does it represent a tangible savings for our residents, but it also shows that our investments in infrastructure and floodplain management are making a real difference.”

How Hattiesburg Achieved Class 7

The city’s improved rating comes from a combination of flood mitigation and outreach efforts, including:

Upgrading stormwater and drainage systems to reduce flood risk.
Preserving open spaces in flood-prone areas.
Conducting public education campaigns to increase flood awareness and preparedness.
Implementing higher standards for new development and construction in flood-prone zones.

What Residents Need to Know

15% Insurance Discount: Most NFIP policyholders in Hattiesburg will receive the discount automatically when policies are issued or renewed on or after April 1, 2026.
Flooding is Hattiesburg’s most common natural hazard, and it can happen anywhere, not just in mapped flood zones.
Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so residents are encouraged to consider purchasing flood insurance.

Protecting People, Property, and Floodplains

Residents are encouraged to know their flood risk, prepare an emergency plan and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

Before making changes to your property near a flood zone, contact the Planning Division at 601-545-4599 to determine if a floodplain permit is needed. Keeping storm drains and ditches clear of debris and avoiding illegal dumping helps reduce localized flooding and improves neighborhood safety.
Preserving natural floodplain areas protects people, property and water quality across the Leaf River watershed, which ultimately flows into the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information about floodplain management, visit www.hattiesburgms.com/residential/floodplain-management/ or call the city’s Planning Division at 601-545-4599.