Cleburne County Disaster Risk
Cleburne County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% 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 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cleburne County, Arkansas
Cleburne Faces Above-Average Disaster Risk
Cleburne County's composite risk score of 72.71 exceeds the national average significantly, yet still rates as "relatively low" due to its risk distribution across multiple hazard types. Your county confronts genuine exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and floods—a complex hazard portfolio. No single catastrophe dominates; instead, multiple moderate-to-high threats demand attention.
Arkansas's Higher-Risk Communities
At 72.71, Cleburne exceeds the state average of 55.51 by 31%, placing it in the upper quarter of Arkansas counties by risk. You face more disaster exposure than roughly three-quarters of your state peers. This elevation reflects both geography and the convergence of multiple hazard pathways through your county.
Riskier Than Most Surrounding Counties
Cleburne's 72.71 substantially exceeds nearby Conway (56.55), Chicot (43.77), and Clark (41.09), making you one of north-central Arkansas's riskier communities. Only Craighead County (91.79) to the north carries greater composite risk in your region. Your neighbors' lower scores underscore Cleburne's elevated hazard exposure.
Tornado, Wildfire, and Earthquake Threats
Tornadoes pose your most acute risk at 88.77, followed closely by wildfires at 75.80 and earthquakes at 86.74—a triple threat few Arkansas counties face. Floods add another dimension at 73.31, creating a complex four-hazard exposure profile. Your preparedness strategy must address all four to be effective.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Multiple Perils
Your 88.77 tornado score demands premium wind and hail protection; your 75.80 wildfire risk requires verified coverage for structure fires from wildland sources. Add earthquake riders for your 86.74 seismic exposure, and confirm flood coverage for your 73.31 flood risk. This multi-layered approach protects your home against Cleburne's diverse hazard landscape.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cleburne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cleburne County
Risk Verdict
Cleburne County's FEMA risk score places it at the 73th 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 Cleburne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (76th percentile), flood (73th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 89th percentile nationally makes Cleburne 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. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 87th percentile nationally means Cleburne County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Cleburne 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 17.2 composite points below Cleburne County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Cleburne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cleburne County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Cleburne County?
How does Cleburne County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Cleburne County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cleburne 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.