Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Arkansas
Franklin ranks moderately on national scale
Franklin County's composite risk of 49.40 places it in the Relatively Low category, slightly below the national average. However, wildfire risk at 82.54 and tornado risk at 64.82 indicate meaningful disaster exposure in specific hazard types.
Below Arkansas state average
Franklin's 49.40 score falls below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it in the lower-risk half of state counties. Wildfire exposure is the primary driver of the county's above-average risk relative to some neighboring counties.
Much safer than Crawford County
Franklin County's 49.40 score is substantially lower than neighboring Crawford County's 71.60, a 22-point difference driven primarily by Crawford's extreme wildfire risk (91.06 vs. 82.54). Franklin faces notable fire threats but enjoys lower overall hazard exposure.
Wildfire and tornado are main threats
Wildfire risk at 82.54 is Franklin's dominant hazard, reflecting the county's forested landscape and fire-prone conditions during dry seasons. Tornado risk at 64.82 poses a secondary but significant seasonal threat during spring storms.
Prioritize wildfire and wind coverage
Franklin residents should secure specialized wildfire insurance or ensure their homeowners policy explicitly includes fire coverage, as standard policies often exclude wildfire damage. Add comprehensive wind and hail riders for tornado protection, and maintain defensible space by clearing brush and dead trees within 30 feet of structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 49th percentile nationally is an advantage for Franklin County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (63th percentile), flood (51th percentile), hurricane (47th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Franklin County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Franklin 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 65th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Franklin 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
The Arkansas county average exceeds Franklin County's score by 6.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Franklin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Franklin 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.