Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Arkansas
Madison County's Moderate Safety
Madison County's composite risk score of 45.07 ranks Relatively Low, about 18% below the U.S. average. The county's wildfire risk of 71.22 and tornado risk of 65.46 are its primary concerns.
Below the Arkansas Average
At 45.07, Madison County sits comfortably below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the safer Arkansas counties. The county avoids the extreme flood pressures facing the state's eastern regions.
Safer Than Surrounding Areas
Madison County (45.07) is one of the state's safest, outperforming Lonoke (75.10) and Logan (48.19). Its risk profile mirrors the low-risk Ozark foothill counties nearby.
Madison's Primary Threats
Wildfire risk (71.22) is Madison County's standout hazard, driven by its Ozark Mountain forests and rural character. Tornadoes (65.46) and earthquakes (53.31) round out the secondary risk tier.
Smart Coverage Choices
Wildfire insurance should be a priority for Madison County homeowners, particularly those with tree cover near their properties. Adding tornado and standard homeowner policies creates solid all-hazard protection at reasonable cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
At the 45th percentile nationally, Madison County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Being ranked at the 45th percentile nationally is an advantage for Madison County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (54th percentile), earthquake (53th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Madison County's primary hazard at the 71th percentile nationally. For Madison County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary tornado exposure at the 65th percentile nationally means Madison County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Madison County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Arkansas county average, Madison County's composite score runs 10.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Madison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Madison 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.