Crawford County Disaster Risk
Crawford County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crawford County, Arkansas
Crawford ranks below average nationally
Crawford County scores 71.60 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category—well below the national average. This means residents face fewer natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though wildfire and tornado risks remain noteworthy at 91.06 and 81.39 respectively.
Above the Arkansas average
Crawford's 71.60 composite risk score exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the riskier counties in the state despite its national classification. This elevation is driven primarily by exceptionally high wildfire risk and significant tornado exposure.
Riskier than Franklin County nearby
Crawford County's 71.60 score outpaces neighboring Franklin County (49.40) by a substantial margin, mainly due to Crawford's wildfire threat (91.06 vs. 82.54). Both counties share tornado concerns, but Crawford's landscape and vegetation create significantly higher fire danger.
Wildfire and tornado dominate
Wildfire risk at 91.06 is Crawford's paramount threat, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry conditions. Tornado risk of 81.39 makes severe spring storms a secondary but serious concern for residents and property.
Secure coverage for fire and wind
Crawford residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Consider adding wind and hail coverage to address tornado risk, and maintain defensible space around your home by clearing vegetation within 30 feet.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crawford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crawford County
Risk Verdict
Crawford County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Crawford County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Crawford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (71th percentile), earthquake (67th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Crawford County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 91th percentile nationally. Crawford County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally means Crawford County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Crawford County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Crawford County's composite risk score sits 16.1 points above the Arkansas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Crawford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crawford County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Crawford County?
How does Crawford County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Crawford County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Crawford 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.