riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Lonoke County Disaster Risk

Lonoke County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

75th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#15

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

69th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 52% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 93% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 53% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lonoke County, Arkansas

Lonoke's Above-Average Risk Profile

Lonoke County's composite risk score of 75.10 significantly exceeds the U.S. average, making it one of the nation's higher-risk counties. Earthquake (92.75) and tornado (86.20) risks both rank in the 85th percentile nationally.

The Riskiest County in Arkansas

At 75.10, Lonoke County's composite risk score ranks highest among all Arkansas counties, sitting 35% above the state average of 55.51. This distinction reflects the county's exposure to seismic and severe storm hazards.

Lonoke Stands Apart

Lonoke County (75.10) far exceeds the risk levels of surrounding counties like Miller (70.83) and Madison (45.07). Its earthquake and tornado scores represent outlier hazards compared to most of central Arkansas.

Lonoke's Exceptional Hazards

Earthquakes (92.75) and tornadoes (86.20) make Lonoke the state's most seismically and storm-prone county. Flood risk at 69.34 presents an additional significant threat, particularly in riverside areas.

Critical Coverage for Lonoke

Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable for Lonoke County homeowners; the county's seismic risk ranks among the nation's highest. Comprehensive tornado and flood coverage are equally essential given the county's 86.20 tornado score and above-average flood exposure.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lonoke County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    93th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    86th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    69th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Lonoke County

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard pressure in Lonoke County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 75th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Lonoke County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (69th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), wildfire (52th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake exposure at the 93th percentile nationally puts Lonoke 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Lonoke County's tornado risk at the 86th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Lonoke 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

Lonoke County is 19.6 composite risk points above the Arkansas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.

Is your household prepared for Lonoke County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Lonoke County, AR?
Lonoke County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Lonoke County?
Lonoke County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (93th percentile), tornado (86th percentile), flooding (69th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), wildfire (52th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 93th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Lonoke County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Lonoke County's composite risk percentile is 75th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Lonoke County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Lonoke County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Lonoke County's earthquake risk is at the 93th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Lonoke County is at the 69th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Lonoke County higher risk than average?
Lonoke County's composite risk score of 75th percentile is above the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (93th percentile), along with tornado and flooding and hurricane and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.