Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, Arkansas
Lee ranks among Arkansas's safest
Lee County's composite risk score of 40.43 rates as Very Low and sits well below the state average of 55.51. The county benefits from exceptionally low flood risk (21.18) and wildfire risk (7.32)—among the state's lowest.
Third-safest county in Arkansas
Lee County ranks among the state's three safest counties for natural disasters, with particularly strong protection from floods and wildfires. Only earthquake and tornado risks reach moderate levels, while most other hazards remain minimal.
Much safer than Jackson, near Lafayette
Lee's 40.43 score sits between Lafayette County's very low 33.24 and the state average, far below Jackson County's dangerous 67.84. The county's wildfire risk of 7.32 is the state's lowest, offering distinct geographic protection.
Earthquake the primary concern
Lee County's earthquake risk of 90.46 stands as its only acute hazard—surprising given the county's otherwise exceptional safety record. Tornado risk at 63.65 ranks as a distant second concern.
Earthquake insurance your main priority
Lee County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance given the 90.46 risk score, though the county's low flood and wildfire risks mean less urgency for those coverages. Standard homeowners policies provide adequate protection for most other hazards here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
At the 40th percentile nationally, Lee County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 40th percentile, Lee County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (51th percentile), flood (21th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lee County ranks at the 90th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's tornado risk at the 64th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Lee County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.1 points below the Arkansas state average puts Lee County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Lee County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lee 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.