Boone County Disaster Risk
Boone County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Boone County, Arkansas
Boone County moderately exposed to risks
Boone County's composite score of 62.34 sits above national averages, reflecting moderate exposure to natural disasters. The county's rating of "relatively low" indicates manageable but non-negligible hazard vulnerability.
Slightly above Arkansas average
Boone County's 62.34 exceeds the state average of 55.51, positioning it in the higher-risk tier within Arkansas. Tornado and wildfire exposure drive this elevation above the statewide baseline.
Riskier than Baxter but less than Benton
Boone County's 62.34 sits between Baxter County's 72.30 and Carroll County's 64.57, placing it in the moderate range for the region. Its Ozark location exposes it to similar tornado and wildfire risks as neighboring counties.
Tornado and wildfire dominate hazards
Tornado risk of 78.59 represents Boone County's most significant threat, with severe spring and fall storm systems regularly crossing the county. Wildfire risk of 65.59 ranks second, with forest coverage and seasonal drought conditions creating ignition potential.
Plan for storms and fires now
Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter location, as the 78.59 tornado risk is substantial and recurring. Clear vegetation near structures, ensure adequate homeowners coverage for wind and fire damage, and maintain emergency supplies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Boone County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Boone County
Risk Verdict
Boone County's FEMA risk score places it at the 62th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Boone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (66th percentile), flood (51th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 79th percentile nationally makes Boone County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Boone County at the 71th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. In Boone County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Arkansas county average is 6.8 composite points below Boone County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Boone County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Boone County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Boone County?
How does Boone County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Boone County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Boone 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.