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

Marion County Disaster Risk

Marion County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

48th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#49

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

43th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 56% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Arkansas

Marion County's Relatively Safe Profile

Marion County's composite risk score of 47.96 ranks Relatively Low, about 15% below the U.S. average. Earthquake risk (65.71) and tornado risk (55.82) represent the county's main concerns, while flood risk remains manageable at 43.07.

Among Arkansas's Safer Counties

At 47.96, Marion County's score sits well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it as one of the state's lower-risk areas. The county avoids the extreme flood and seismic pressures facing eastern Arkansas.

In Regional Context

Marion County (47.96) ranks slightly higher than Little River (44.05) and Madison (45.07), its western neighbors. All three counties maintain similarly safe profiles within the state's Ozark region.

Marion's Main Hazards

Earthquakes (65.71) and tornadoes (55.82) present Marion County's primary risks, though neither reaches critical levels. Wildfire danger (64.98) is notably elevated compared to flood risk (43.07).

Essential Coverage Steps

Marion County homeowners should prioritize earthquake coverage, as seismic risk exceeds national norms in this region. Adding tornado and standard homeowner protection provides comprehensive security against the county's multiple hazards.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Marion County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    66th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    65th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    56th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Marion County

Risk Verdict

Marion County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. At the 48th percentile nationally, Marion County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (56th percentile), flood (43th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Marion County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 66th 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 65th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Marion 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

The Arkansas county average exceeds Marion County's score by 7.5 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Marion 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 Marion County, AR?
Marion County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 48th 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 Marion County?
Marion County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (66th percentile), wildfire (65th percentile), tornado (56th percentile), flooding (43th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 66th 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 Marion County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Marion County's composite risk percentile is 48th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Marion County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Marion County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Marion County's earthquake risk is at the 66th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Marion County is at the 43th 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.
Is Marion County a safe place to live?
Marion County's composite risk score of 48th percentile is below the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 66th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Logan County

Arkansas

+0.2

Relatively Low

48th percentile

Howard County

Arkansas

+0.5

Relatively Low

49th percentile

Franklin County

Arkansas

+1.4

Relatively Low

49th percentile

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.

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