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

Monroe County Disaster Risk

Monroe County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

37th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#59

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% 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 89% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Arkansas

Monroe County's Very Low Risk

Monroe County's composite risk score of 36.51 ranks Very Low and represents the safest profile among all 50 states' typical risks. Flood risk (28.40) and wildfire risk (20.32) are among the nation's lowest, though earthquake risk (89.03) remains significant.

Arkansas's Safest County

At 36.51, Monroe County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Arkansas, 34% below the state average of 55.51. The county's exceptional safety across flood and wildfire hazards distinguishes it statewide.

Notably Safer Than Peers

Monroe County (36.51) ranks significantly safer than nearby Mississippi (89.22) and Miller (70.83), making it a regional safety haven. Its flood and wildfire scores are among Arkansas's lowest across all counties.

Earthquake Stands Out

Earthquake risk (89.03) is Monroe County's primary concern, a reflection of its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Tornado risk (63.61) presents a secondary hazard, while flood (28.40) and wildfire (20.32) risks remain exceptionally low.

Earthquake Coverage First Priority

Monroe County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance despite the county's otherwise low-risk profile. Adding standard homeowner and tornado coverage completes comprehensive protection at minimal expense relative to risk.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Monroe County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    89th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    64th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    49th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Monroe County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Monroe County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 37th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Monroe County's favorable 37th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (49th percentile), flood (28th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 89th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Monroe County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. 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 Monroe County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.

Regional Context

Monroe County is 19.0 composite risk points below the Arkansas state mean, meaning most other Arkansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Monroe 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 Monroe County, AR?
Monroe County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 37th 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 Monroe County?
Monroe County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (89th percentile), tornado (64th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), flooding (28th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 89th 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 Monroe County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Monroe County's composite risk percentile is 37th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Monroe County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Monroe County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Monroe County's earthquake risk is at the 89th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Monroe County is at the 28th 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 Monroe County a safe place to live?
Monroe County's composite risk score of 37th 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 89th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Drew County

Arkansas

-1.4

Very Low

35th percentile

Lafayette County

Arkansas

-3.3

Very Low

33th percentile

Desha County

Arkansas

-3.6

Very Low

33th 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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