Ashley County Disaster Risk
Ashley County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ashley County, Arkansas
Ashley County slightly below average
Ashley County's composite risk score of 53.91 places it just below the national average, indicating relatively low overall disaster vulnerability. While the county faces multiple hazards, none rise to extreme levels.
Lower risk than most Arkansas counties
At 53.91, Ashley County scores slightly below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This favorable positioning reflects relatively moderate exposure across most hazard categories.
Safer than Arkansas County to the north
Ashley County's 53.91 score is lower than Arkansas County's 63.20, though higher than Bradley County's 30.76 further south. The county benefits from somewhat reduced tornado and earthquake exposure compared to northern neighbors.
Tornadoes and earthquakes are top threats
Tornado risk of 72.58 represents Ashley County's highest hazard score, with severe spring storms a recurring concern. Earthquake risk ranks second at 83.27, and hurricane exposure at 65.12 adds seasonal weather volatility to the county's profile.
Cover tornado and earthquake damage
With tornado risk at 72.58, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage and consider a safe room or shelter. Add earthquake coverage to protect against the county's 83.27 earthquake risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ashley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ashley County
Risk Verdict
At the 54th percentile nationally, Ashley County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Ashley County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Ashley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (65th percentile), flood (54th percentile), wildfire (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ashley County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 83th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Tornado at the 73th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Ashley County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Ashley County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
At 1.6 points from the Arkansas county mean, Ashley County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Ashley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ashley County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Ashley County?
How does Ashley County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Ashley County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ashley County a safe place to live?
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.