Poinsett County Disaster Risk
Poinsett County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Poinsett County, Arkansas
Poinsett County faces elevated national risks
Poinsett County scores 72.52, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average for composite risk. This elevation reflects particularly acute exposure to earthquakes and tornadoes.
Arkansas's highest-risk county profiled
At 72.52, Poinsett County ranks well above Arkansas's average of 55.51, positioning it among the state's riskiest counties. The county's profile is dominated by extreme earthquake risk and severe tornado exposure.
Significantly riskier than surrounding areas
Poinsett County's 72.52 score substantially exceeds nearby Phillips County (61.67) and far surpasses the low-risk counties to the south and west. This elevated risk position reflects the county's geographic vulnerability to multiple significant natural hazards.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate risks
Poinsett County faces extreme earthquake risk at 95.17 and severe tornado risk at 83.87, making these overwhelmingly the county's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood (37.28) and hurricane (44.26) risks remain secondary, while wildfire risk is minimal at 7.44.
Earthquake and tornado coverage mandatory
Poinsett County residents must obtain earthquake insurance immediately given the county's extreme 95.17 risk score, and tornado coverage is equally critical at 83.87. Every property should carry comprehensive coverage across these two dominant hazards, with additional flood insurance for vulnerable locations.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Poinsett County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Poinsett County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 73th, Poinsett County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Poinsett County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (44th percentile), flood (37th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Poinsett County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Tornado at the 84th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Poinsett County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Poinsett County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 17.0 points above the Arkansas state average, Poinsett County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Arkansas county.
Is your household prepared for Poinsett County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Poinsett County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Poinsett County?
How does Poinsett County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Poinsett County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Poinsett 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.