Chicot County Disaster Risk
Chicot County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chicot County, Arkansas
Chicot's Risk: Below the National Curve
Chicot County scores 43.77 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and making it one of Arkansas's safer counties for natural disasters. Your county faces relatively low overall hazard exposure compared to most American communities. This foundation puts you ahead of the curve, though specific risks still deserve attention.
Lower Risk Than Most Arkansas Counties
With a score of 43.77 versus Arkansas's state average of 55.51, Chicot ranks among the state's counties with the least composite risk. You're roughly 21% better protected than the typical Arkansas county. This advantage reflects both geography and lower exposure to some of the state's most dangerous hazards.
Safest County in Your Region
Chicot's 43.77 score beats nearby Clark County (41.09) and Columbia County (42.08), making it one of the most secure areas in south Arkansas. Clark and Columbia offer marginally lower scores, but all three counties rank well below the state average. You're in good company when it comes to disaster preparedness.
Watch for Tornadoes and Earthquakes
Tornadoes pose your highest localized risk at 50.03, while earthquakes reach 77.86—a significant score despite overall low county risk. Floods also merit attention at 49.40, especially during heavy spring rains. These three hazards account for most of your exposure and warrant specific preparation.
Secure Coverage for Your Priorities
Given your tornado and earthquake exposure, verify that your homeowner's policy includes these riders; standard policies often exclude them. Flood insurance is critical even in low-risk areas—99% of property losses in Arkansas come from water damage. Bundle these protections to sleep soundly in Chicot County.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chicot County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chicot County
Risk Verdict
At the 44th percentile nationally, Chicot County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. At the 44th percentile, Chicot County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Chicot County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (50th percentile), flood (49th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chicot County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 78th 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. The county's hurricane risk at the 66th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Chicot 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
Compared to the Arkansas county average, Chicot County's composite score runs 11.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Chicot County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chicot County, AR?
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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.