Desha County Disaster Risk
Desha County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Desha County, Arkansas
Desha County ranks very low nationally
Desha County's composite risk of 32.89 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average and among safer U.S. counties overall. However, hurricane risk at 63.29 is notably elevated compared to other hazards.
Well below Arkansas average
Desha's 32.89 score is less than 60% of Arkansas's state average of 55.51, ranking it among the state's safest counties. Only Dallas County (10.08) offers significantly lower risk to residents.
Safer than Drew County
Desha County at 32.89 edges out nearby Drew County at 35.15, both occupying the state's low-risk tier. Desha's main hazard advantage comes from minimal wildfire exposure (3.21), though tornado risk remains comparable.
Hurricane risk is the primary concern
Desha County's hurricane risk of 63.29 significantly outpaces its other hazards, reflecting potential tropical storm impacts from the Gulf. Tornado risk at 55.57 and earthquake risk at 83.84 add secondary threats, though all three remain below many Arkansas counties.
Focus on wind and flood coverage
Desha residents should prioritize wind and hail coverage to address hurricane exposure, and maintain flood insurance if in or near high-water areas. Standard homeowners insurance forms a solid foundation for the county's moderate natural disaster risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Desha County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Desha County
Risk Verdict
Desha County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally. Desha County residents can take confidence from a 33th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Desha County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (56th percentile), flood (33th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 84th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Desha County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's hurricane risk at the 63th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Desha County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Desha County falls 22.6 points below Arkansas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Desha County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Desha County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Desha County?
How does Desha County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Desha County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Desha County a safe place to live?
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.