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

Perry County Disaster Risk

Perry County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

28th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#67

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

39th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 57% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Perry County, Arkansas

Perry County maintains low national risk

Perry County scores 28.05, placing it firmly in the Very Low risk category and well below national averages. This favorable position reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards across multiple threat types.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

At 28.05, Perry County ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, scoring 49% below Arkansas's average of 55.51. This strong safety position reflects the county's relative protection from the state's most significant natural disaster threats.

Slightly higher risk than Newton County

Perry County's 28.05 score ranks it alongside Pike County (26.56) as among the region's safest, though both exceed Newton County's exceptional 18.45 rating. Compared to Ouachita County to the south (51.21), Perry remains significantly less exposed to natural hazards.

Tornado and wildfire warrant attention

Perry County faces tornado risk at 64.25 and wildfire risk at 55.06, representing its two highest hazard exposures. Earthquake (56.52), flood (38.55), and hurricane (34.96) risks remain moderate, with hurricane showing the lowest concern in the county's profile.

Prioritize tornado and wildfire coverage

Perry County residents should ensure comprehensive tornado coverage is included in their homeowners insurance, given the 64.25 tornado risk score. Wildfire insurance should also be reviewed, especially for properties in rural or forested areas of the county.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Perry County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    64th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    57th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    55th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Perry County

Risk Verdict

At the 28th percentile nationally, Perry County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 28th percentile score positions Perry County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Perry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (55th percentile), flood (39th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Perry County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Perry County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Perry County at the 57th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. Perry 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

A composite score 27.5 points below the Arkansas state average puts Perry County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Perry 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 Perry County, AR?
Perry County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 28th 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 Perry County?
Perry County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (64th percentile), earthquake (57th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile), flooding (39th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 64th 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 Perry County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Perry County's composite risk percentile is 28th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Perry County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Perry County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Perry County's tornado risk is at the 64th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Perry County is at the 39th 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 Perry County a safe place to live?
Perry County's composite risk score of 28th 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 tornado at the 64th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Searcy County

Arkansas

-0.3

Very Low

28th percentile

Scott County

Arkansas

-1.2

Very Low

27th percentile

Pike County

Arkansas

-1.5

Very Low

27th 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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