Hempstead County Disaster Risk
Hempstead County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% 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 Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hempstead County, Arkansas
Hempstead County's risk mirrors national average
With a composite risk score of 52.07, Hempstead County carries a Relatively Low national rating that closely tracks typical U.S. county hazard exposure. This balanced profile reflects moderate-to-high tornado and hurricane risks offset by lower flood and wildfire exposure.
Slightly below Arkansas's average risk level
Hempstead County's score of 52.07 sits just under Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it near the state median for natural disaster vulnerability. This near-average standing reflects typical Arkansas multi-hazard exposure patterns.
Middle-of-the-pack risk within region
Hempstead County's score of 52.07 falls between Grant County's exceptional safety (15.71) and Garland County's elevated risk (89.31), making it representative of typical southwestern Arkansas hazard profiles. Hot Spring County (55.53) carries similarly balanced risk levels.
Tornadoes and earthquakes threaten most
Tornado risk at 72.77 represents Hempstead County's primary hazard, while earthquake exposure at 75.54 creates a secondary structural threat. Hurricane risk at 65.00 is notably elevated compared to many inland counties and warrants serious preparation.
Wind coverage and flood insurance matter
Hempstead County residents need robust wind and hail protection to handle tornado and hurricane exposure, plus strong consideration of flood insurance for properties in flood-prone zones. Given your county's location and hazard profile, a reinforced safe room is a worthwhile home improvement investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hempstead County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hempstead County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Hempstead County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 52th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Hempstead County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hempstead County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (65th percentile), flood (44th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 76th percentile nationally puts Hempstead County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Tornado at the 73th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Hempstead County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Hempstead County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Hempstead County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Arkansas county average, with a 3.4-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Hempstead County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hempstead County, AR?
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Is Hempstead 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.