Benton County Disaster Risk
Benton County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benton County, Arkansas
Benton County faces elevated risk
Benton County's composite risk score of 88.74 significantly exceeds national averages, earning it a "relatively moderate" rating despite being above-average in the nation. This county faces notable exposure across multiple hazard types.
Highest-risk county in Arkansas
At 88.74, Benton County ranks as Arkansas's most at-risk county, far exceeding the state average of 55.51. Its position in northwest Arkansas exposes it to concentrated flood, wildfire, and severe weather hazards.
Significantly riskier than neighbors
Benton County's 88.74 dwarfs Carroll County's 64.57 and Baxter County's 72.30, making it substantially riskier than surrounding Ozark region counties. Only a few Arkansas counties approach Benton's risk profile.
Flood and wildfire are paramount
Flood risk of 90.43 is Benton County's most pressing hazard, reflecting the county's river valleys and urban development patterns. Wildfire risk of 92.78 ranks nearly as high, with forested areas and expanding suburbs creating ignition and exposure risk.
Flood and fire insurance non-negotiable
Separate flood insurance is essential given the 90.43 flood score; standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Invest in fire-resistant roofing and landscaping, maintain evacuation plans, and ensure comprehensive coverage for both flood and wildfire scenarios.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benton County
Risk Verdict
Benton County's overall risk score at the 89th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Benton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (87th percentile), tornado (80th percentile), hurricane (52th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Benton County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Benton County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 90th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Benton County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Arkansas counties, Benton County runs 33.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Benton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benton County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Benton County?
How does Benton County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Benton County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Benton 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.