Hot Spring County Disaster Risk
Hot Spring County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% 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 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hot Spring County, Arkansas
Hot Spring County matches national risk averages
Hot Spring County's composite risk score of 55.53 places it right at Arkansas's state average of 55.51, earning a Relatively Low national rating. This near-perfect state-average alignment reflects balanced multi-hazard exposure typical of mid-Arkansas counties.
Quintessential Arkansas risk profile
At 55.53, Hot Spring County is virtually indistinguishable from Arkansas's state average, making it a representative county for understanding regional disaster vulnerability. Its position reflects neither unusual protection nor exceptional hazard concentration.
Moderate risk balanced among peer counties
Hot Spring County's score of 55.53 sits comfortably in the middle of its regional peer group, above Grant County (15.71) and Howard County (48.51) but well below Garland County (89.31). This balance makes it representative of southwestern Arkansas conditions.
Tornadoes pose greatest immediate threat
Tornado risk at 68.26 represents Hot Spring County's most pressing hazard, while earthquake exposure at 76.49 creates a secondary structural concern. Flood risk at 58.62 and wildfire risk at 55.25 round out a genuinely balanced multi-hazard environment.
Balanced coverage approach works best here
Hot Spring County's moderate, balanced risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance with good wind coverage provides solid baseline protection. Consider flood insurance if your property sits in a designated flood zone, and ensure your policy's deductibles and coverage limits align with your home's replacement cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hot Spring County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hot Spring County
Risk Verdict
At the 56th percentile nationally, Hot Spring County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Hot Spring County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hot Spring County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (59th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hot Spring County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 76th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 68th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Hot Spring County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
At 0.0 points from the Arkansas county mean, Hot Spring County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Hot Spring County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hot Spring County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Hot Spring County?
How does Hot Spring County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Hot Spring County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hot Spring 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.