Crittenden County Disaster Risk
Crittenden County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crittenden County, Arkansas
Crittenden faces moderate national risk
Crittenden County's composite risk of 82.95 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, above the national average and among the riskier U.S. counties. The county's earthquake risk of 96.41 is exceptionally high, while flood and tornado threats also exceed typical levels.
Second-riskiest county in Arkansas
At 82.95, Crittenden ranks as one of Arkansas's highest-risk counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 55.51. Only a handful of state counties approach Crittenden's composite risk, driven largely by extreme earthquake exposure.
Cross County is notably safer
Crittenden's 82.95 score far exceeds neighboring Cross County's 64.92—a 18-point gap largely attributable to Crittenden's much higher earthquake risk (96.41 vs. 94.69). Both counties share moderate flood concerns, but Crittenden's seismic hazard is significantly more pronounced.
Earthquake threat dominates region
Crittenden's earthquake risk of 96.41 is nearly the highest in the state and reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major fault system capable of producing severe tremors. Flood risk of 72.36 and tornado risk of 73.28 compound the hazard picture.
Earthquake insurance is essential
Crittenden residents must obtain standalone earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies do not cover seismic damage. Also ensure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify your home's structural anchoring and bolting to withstand ground shaking.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crittenden County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crittenden County
Risk Verdict
Crittenden County's overall risk score at the 83th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Crittenden County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), hurricane (47th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Crittenden County ranks at the 96th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's tornado risk at the 73th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Crittenden County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
Compared to other Arkansas counties, Crittenden County runs 27.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Crittenden County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crittenden County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Crittenden County?
How does Crittenden County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Crittenden County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Crittenden 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.