Bradley County Disaster Risk
Bradley County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bradley County, Arkansas
Bradley County's low national risk
Bradley County's composite risk score of 30.76 ranks among the lowest in the nation, with a "very low" disaster vulnerability rating. The county's geographical position and hazard exposure create one of the safest profiles in the United States.
One of Arkansas's safest counties
Bradley County's 30.76 is less than half the state average of 55.51, making it one of Arkansas's lowest-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects relative protection from most major hazard types.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Bradley County's 30.76 is dramatically lower than Ashley County's 53.91 and Calhoun County's 2.26 (the state's safest), though it ranks well in the regional context. The county's southern position distances it from the highest-risk areas of north Arkansas.
Earthquake risk remains a secondary concern
While Bradley County's overall risk is very low, earthquake risk of 81.17 represents its highest hazard score. All other risks—flood (24.49), wildfire (27.45), and tornado (53.31)—remain relatively modest.
Basic coverage adequate for Bradley
Standard homeowners insurance should suffice for most Bradley County residents, though earthquake coverage is worth considering given the 81.17 score. Regular home maintenance and modest storm preparedness remain sensible precautions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bradley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bradley County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Bradley County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 31th percentile. The 31th percentile national ranking is one lens; Bradley County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Bradley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (53th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile), flood (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Bradley County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's hurricane risk at the 54th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Bradley County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Bradley County is 24.7 composite risk points below the Arkansas state mean, meaning most other Arkansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Bradley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bradley County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Bradley County?
How does Bradley County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Bradley County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bradley 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.