Elevation Certificates in Rankin County, MS (2026)
Rankin County's western boundary is the Pearl River, which separates the county from Jackson and Hinds County to the west. The Pearl River's eastern floodplain creates FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas in portions of Pearl and in the river bottomlands along the county's western edge. The 2011 Pearl River flood, which came close to a major event in Jackson, affected the Rankin County side of the river as well and raised awareness of flood insurance requirements across the metro.
Flood Zones in Rankin County
FEMA Zone AE designations follow the Pearl River's eastern floodplain through the western portions of Rankin County. Some residential development in Pearl near the river and in the river bottoms north of Brandon falls within mapped flood zones. Richland Creek and other tributaries that drain toward the Pearl River add to the flood zone footprint in some interior portions of the county.
Most of Brandon and Flowood are on higher ground well away from the Pearl River, and flood zone designations are uncommon in the heart of these communities. Properties at the western edges of Pearl and near the river bottoms are the primary locations where elevation certificates are regularly needed.
When Is an Elevation Certificate Required?
Federally backed mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. A flood zone determination showing Zone AE triggers the flood insurance requirement. An elevation certificate documents the lowest floor elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation, which the insurer uses to rate the policy.
Cost and Timeline
Elevation certificates in Rankin County cost $350 to $600. Properties in central Brandon, Flowood, and Pearl with clear access fall at the lower end. Properties near the Pearl River or in rural eastern county locations run toward the higher end. Most certificates are completed in three to five business days after the site visit.
Find licensed surveyors in our Rankin County directory.