Carroll County Disaster Risk
Carroll County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carroll County, Arkansas
Carroll County's moderate national position
Carroll County's composite risk score of 64.57 exceeds national averages, placing it in a relatively low but above-average risk category. The county faces meaningful exposure to several disaster types.
Above average across Arkansas
Carroll County's 64.57 exceeds the state average of 55.51, ranking it among Arkansas's higher-risk counties. This elevation reflects the county's Ozark geography and associated hazards.
Riskier than Boone, safer than Baxter
Carroll County's 64.57 sits between Boone County's 62.34 and Baxter County's 72.30, representing the mid-range of northern Arkansas risk levels. Its northern Ozark location creates exposure similar to neighboring counties.
Tornado and flood lead threats
Tornado risk of 80.09 is Carroll County's most significant hazard, with severe spring storms a recurring threat. Flood risk of 65.11 ranks nearly equal, with river systems and seasonal precipitation creating water-related dangers.
Storm and flood preparedness critical
Develop a tornado shelter plan and ensure homeowners insurance covers wind damage, as tornado risk of 80.09 demands serious preparation. Assess flood risk on your specific property and consider flood insurance if you're in a vulnerable area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carroll County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carroll County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Carroll County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 65th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Carroll County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Carroll County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), wildfire (65th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 80th percentile nationally, Carroll County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Carroll County at the 70th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Carroll County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Carroll County is 9.1 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 Carroll County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carroll County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Carroll County?
How does Carroll County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Carroll County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carroll 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.