Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, Arkansas
Lawrence's tornado and earthquake risks soar
Lawrence County's composite risk score of 67.88 rates as Relatively Low but masks acute concentration in tornadoes (83.46) and earthquakes (92.37). Both scores far exceed the state average of 55.51, reflecting serious regional vulnerability.
Top-tier threat in two major hazards
Lawrence County ranks among Arkansas's highest-risk counties, driven primarily by extreme tornado and earthquake exposure. The county's 83.46 tornado score and 92.37 earthquake score place it near the state's most vulnerable regions.
Nearly matches Jackson's extreme risks
Lawrence's 67.88 composite score closely parallels Jackson County's 67.84, and their earthquake risks are nearly identical (Lawrence 92.37 vs. Jackson 91.60). Lawrence's tornado score of 83.46 trails Jackson's 89.63 but still far exceeds most state peers.
Earthquakes and tornadoes reign supreme
Lawrence residents face earthquake risk at 92.37—second-highest in the state—and tornado risk at 83.46. Together, these two hazards define the county's high-risk profile.
Earthquake and windstorm insurance critical
Lawrence County homeowners absolutely need earthquake insurance given the 92.37 risk score. Add comprehensive windstorm coverage to your homeowners policy to protect against the county's dangerous 83.46 tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
Lawrence County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Lawrence County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (53th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Lawrence County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Tornado at the 83th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Lawrence County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Lawrence County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Lawrence County's composite risk score sits 12.4 points above the Arkansas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lawrence 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.