Arkansas County Disaster Risk
Arkansas County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Arkansas County, Arkansas
Arkansas County's moderate risk profile
With a composite risk score of 63.20, Arkansas County sits above the national average and faces a relatively low overall threat from natural disasters. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types across the county, though no single risk dominates the landscape.
Above-average risk in Arkansas
Arkansas County scores 63.20, notably higher than the state average of 55.51, ranking it among the more vulnerable counties in Arkansas. This elevation is driven primarily by elevated tornado and earthquake risks relative to other state counties.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Arkansas County's 63.20 score exceeds neighboring Ashley County (53.91) and Woodruff County in the region. Its tornado risk of 70.42 is particularly pronounced compared to adjacent areas, reflecting the county's position in a zone with seasonal storm exposure.
Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats
Earthquake risk is Arkansas County's most significant hazard, scoring 92.05—substantially higher than any other risk factor. Tornado activity ranks second at 70.42, with severe spring storms posing a recurring threat to homes and infrastructure across the county.
Earthquake and storm insurance essential
Given the extreme earthquake score of 92.05 and elevated tornado risk, ensure your homeowners policy includes earthquake coverage and verify tornado damage protection. Consider additional coverage for structural reinforcement and take shelter precautions during severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Arkansas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Arkansas County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Arkansas County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 63th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Arkansas County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Arkansas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (61th percentile), flood (58th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 92th percentile nationally puts Arkansas County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Arkansas County's tornado risk at the 70th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Arkansas County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Arkansas County is 7.7 composite risk points above the Arkansas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Arkansas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Arkansas County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Arkansas County?
How does Arkansas County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Arkansas County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Arkansas County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.