riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Conway County Disaster Risk

Conway County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

57th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#36

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

45th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 82% 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 Conway County, Arkansas

Conway County: Slightly Above National Average

Conway County's composite risk score of 56.55 marginally exceeds the national average, placing it just above the threshold for most American counties despite still rating "relatively low." Your risk concentrates in tornado and earthquake hazards, while floods and wildfires contribute substantially to your exposure. This mid-range positioning reflects Conway's geographic complexity.

Near the Arkansas State Average

At 56.55, Conway nearly matches Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. You face roughly average disaster exposure compared to other Arkansas communities. This median standing reflects typical state hazard patterns rather than exceptional vulnerability or protection.

Riskier Than South Arkansas Counties

Conway's 56.55 exceeds neighboring Chicot (43.77), Clark (41.09), and Columbia (42.08) significantly—all south Arkansas communities with 25-35% lower risk. Only Cleburne County at 72.71 and Craighead at 91.79 carry greater risk among nearby counties. Conway occupies the upper-middle range of your region.

Tornado, Earthquake, and Wildfire Exposure

Tornadoes dominate at 82.44, with earthquakes closely behind at 86.93 and wildfires at 74.90—your three principal hazard concerns. Floods at 45.36 add a fourth consideration, though hurricanes remain minimal at 52.73. Your disaster strategy must prioritize these three dominant threats.

Triple Threat Requires Layered Coverage

Your 82.44 tornado score demands excellent wind and hail protection; your 86.93 earthquake exposure requires standalone earthquake coverage as a priority. Wildfire risk at 74.90 necessitates verification that your policy covers structure damage from nearby fires. These three protections directly address Conway's primary hazard portfolio.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Conway County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    87th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    82th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    75th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Conway County

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard pressure in Conway County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 57th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Conway County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Conway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (75th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), flood (45th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake exposure at the 87th percentile nationally puts Conway County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 82th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Conway County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.

Regional Context

Conway County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Arkansas county average, with a 1.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Conway County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Conway County, AR?
Conway County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Conway County?
Conway County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (87th percentile), tornado (82th percentile), wildfire (75th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), flooding (45th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 87th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Conway County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Conway County's composite risk percentile is 57th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Conway County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Conway County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Conway County's earthquake risk is at the 87th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Conway County is at the 45th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Conway County higher risk than average?
Conway County's composite risk score of 57th percentile is above the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (87th percentile), along with tornado and wildfire and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.