Garland County Disaster Risk
Garland County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Garland County, Arkansas
Garland County faces above-average national risk
Garland County's composite risk score of 89.31 places it among the riskier counties nationwide, with a Relatively Moderate rating that signals serious compound hazards. This score reflects particular vulnerability to tornadoes (96.41), floods (90.11), and earthquakes (89.19).
Highest-risk county in Arkansas
At 89.31, Garland County's risk score far exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county by a wide margin. No other Arkansas county approaches Garland's multi-hazard vulnerability.
Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas
Garland County's score of 89.31 towers over regional peers like Hot Spring County (55.53) and Hempstead County (52.07), creating a stark contrast in disaster risk within the same region. This elevation reflects Garland's unique exposure to multiple concurrent hazard types.
Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten residents
Tornado risk dominates at 96.41—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk at 90.11 means heavy rains pose an immediate property threat. Earthquake exposure at 89.19 adds a third major hazard rarely seen at such intensity in neighboring counties.
Comprehensive insurance is essential here
Garland County residents must carry robust wind and hail coverage, flood insurance (strongly recommended in high-risk zones), and serious consideration of earthquake protection given your county's exceptional multi-hazard profile. A safe room or reinforced shelter space should be a priority investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Garland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Garland County
Risk Verdict
At the 89th percentile nationally, Garland County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Garland County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Garland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (89th percentile), wildfire (73th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 96th percentile nationally makes Garland County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Flood is the second hazard driver for Garland County at the 90th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. In Garland County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Arkansas county average is 33.8 composite points below Garland County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Garland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Garland County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Garland County?
How does Garland County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Garland County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Garland 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.