Greene County Disaster Risk
Greene County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% 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 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Greene County, Arkansas
Greene County's elevated earthquake risk dominates
Greene County's composite risk score of 80.18 reflects a Relatively Low national rating, but masks severe earthquake exposure at 95.71—among the highest in the country. Tornado risk at 87.88 adds a second major hazard residents must prepare for.
Above-average risk for Arkansas county
Greene County's score of 80.18 significantly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it firmly in the upper half of state risk rankings. This elevated position is driven almost entirely by exceptional earthquake and tornado vulnerability.
Most seismically active county in region
Greene County's earthquake score of 95.71 far surpasses neighboring Independence County (89.98) and all other regional peers, making it the region's seismic hotspot. Its tornado risk at 87.88 also exceeds most surrounding counties.
Earthquake and tornado risk define Greene County
Earthquake risk at 95.71 is Greene County's primary concern, with tornado exposure at 87.88 running a close second—creating a dangerous one-two punch. Flood risk at 63.23 remains moderate but cannot be ignored during spring storms.
Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable here
Greene County residents must secure dedicated earthquake coverage as a priority—it's not included in standard homeowner's policies and your risk level justifies the investment. Pair this with robust wind and hail coverage, and ensure your home's foundation and structural connections are professionally evaluated and reinforced.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Greene County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Greene County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 80th, Greene County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Greene County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Greene County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (63th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Greene 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Greene County's tornado risk at the 88th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Greene 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
At 24.7 points above the Arkansas state average, Greene County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Arkansas county.
Is your household prepared for Greene County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Greene County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Greene County?
How does Greene County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Greene County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Greene 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.