Nevada County Disaster Risk
Nevada County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nevada County, Arkansas
Nevada County sits well below national risk
Nevada County's composite risk score of 30.57 places it in the Very Low category, roughly 45% below the national average. This low score reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards affecting American counties.
Among Arkansas's safest counties
Nevada County's 30.57 score ranks it among the state's lowest-risk regions, falling 45% below Arkansas's average of 55.51. This strong position reflects the county's relative protection from the state's most significant natural hazards.
Lower risk than nearby Ouachita County
Nevada County's 30.57 score contrasts sharply with Ouachita County's higher 51.21 rating just to the north. This significant difference highlights how natural disaster exposure can vary notably across neighboring counties in the region.
Earthquake and hurricane concerns stand out
Nevada County faces elevated earthquake risk at 57.12 and hurricane risk at 56.95, both notably higher than its wildfire (29.48) and flood risks (24.01). Tornado risk at 47.30 remains moderate across the county.
Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage
Nevada County residents should ensure earthquake coverage supplements their standard homeowners policy, given the county's 57.12 earthquake risk score. Hurricane and flood insurance should also be reviewed to address these secondary but notable hazards in the area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nevada County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nevada County
Risk Verdict
Nevada County's overall natural disaster score at the 31th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Nevada County's 31th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Nevada County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (47th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile), flood (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 57th percentile nationally puts Nevada 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. Hurricane at the 57th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Nevada County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Nevada 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
Nevada County's composite risk score sits 24.9 points below the Arkansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Nevada County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nevada County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Nevada County?
How does Nevada County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Nevada County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nevada 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.