Phillips County Disaster Risk
Phillips County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Phillips County, Arkansas
Phillips County faces above-average national risk
Phillips County scores 61.67, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average for composite risk. This elevation reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricane impacts.
Higher-risk county in Arkansas
At 61.67, Phillips County ranks above Arkansas's average of 55.51, positioning it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county's profile is driven primarily by extreme earthquake risk and notably elevated tornado exposure.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Phillips County's 61.67 score exceeds nearby Poinsett County (72.52) only slightly, and both stand well above neighboring Ouachita County (51.21). Phillips represents a notable risk concentration in the eastern part of the state.
Earthquake and tornado threats are extreme
Phillips County faces extreme earthquake risk at 92.65 and severe tornado risk at 78.18, making these the county's dominant natural hazard concerns. Hurricane risk at 58.11 and flood risk at 46.15 also exceed state averages, though earthquakes and tornadoes pose the greatest threats.
Earthquake and tornado insurance critical
Phillips County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's extreme 92.65 risk score, and tornado coverage is equally essential at 78.18. Flood and hurricane insurance should also be maintained to address the county's comprehensive hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Phillips County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Phillips County
Risk Verdict
Phillips County's FEMA risk score places it at the 62th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Phillips County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (58th percentile), flood (46th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 93th percentile nationally, Phillips County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's tornado risk at the 78th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Phillips County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Arkansas county average is 6.2 composite points below Phillips County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Phillips County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Phillips County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Phillips County?
How does Phillips County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Phillips County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Phillips County higher risk than average?
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.