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

Miller County Disaster Risk

Miller County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

71th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#22

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

57th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 57% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 51% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Miller County, Arkansas

Miller County's Above-Average Risk

Miller County's composite risk score of 70.83 exceeds the U.S. average, making it one of the nation's higher-risk counties. Tornado risk (84.89) ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, while earthquake risk (68.61) presents secondary exposure.

Among Arkansas's Highest-Risk

At 70.83, Miller County ranks as the second-highest risk county in Arkansas, exceeded only by Lonoke (75.10) and well above the state average of 55.51. The county's tornado risk is particularly acute.

The Region's Risk Leader

Miller County (70.83) significantly outpaces neighboring Logan (48.19) and Madison (45.07) in overall risk. Its 84.89 tornado score stands as a regional outlier and a major distinguishing factor.

Tornadoes Dominate Miller's Risks

Tornado risk (84.89) is Miller County's dominant hazard, ranking among the nation's highest and reflecting the county's position in severe weather corridors. Earthquakes (68.61) and flood risk (57.28) present secondary concerns.

Tornado Coverage Is Critical

Miller County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive tornado and wind damage coverage; the county's 84.89 score demands serious protection. Adding earthquake and flood insurance ensures full coverage against the county's multiple significant hazards.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Miller County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    69th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    64th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Miller County

Risk Verdict

Miller County ranks at the 71th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Miller County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (64th percentile), flood (57th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Miller County ranks at the 85th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Miller County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 69th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Miller County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Miller County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.

Regional Context

Compared to other Arkansas counties, Miller County runs 15.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Miller 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 Miller County, AR?
Miller County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 71th 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 Miller County?
Miller County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (85th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile), flooding (57th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 85th 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 Miller County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Miller County's composite risk percentile is 71th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Miller County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Miller County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Miller County's tornado risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Miller County is at the 57th 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 Miller County higher risk than average?
Miller County's composite risk score of 71th percentile is above the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (85th percentile), along with earthquake and wildfire and flooding and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Crawford County

Arkansas

+0.8

Relatively Low

72th percentile

Clay County

Arkansas

+0.8

Relatively Low

72th percentile

Baxter County

Arkansas

+1.5

Relatively Low

72th 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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