Polk County Disaster Risk
Polk County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Polk County, Arkansas
Polk County's risk picture
With a composite risk score of 46.12, Polk County sits comfortably below the national average and carries a Relatively Low overall risk rating. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most of America, though localized hazards still deserve attention.
Below average for Arkansas
Polk County's score of 46.12 ranks it well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the safer counties in the state. You're in a stronger position than most of your state's neighbors when it comes to natural disaster exposure.
Compared to nearby counties
Scott County (26.84) and Searcy County (27.74) are even safer, while Saline County (77.64) faces notably higher risks. Your risk profile puts you in the middle of this western Arkansas cluster, benefiting from mountainous terrain that reduces some hazards but not others.
Wildfire is your top threat
Wildfire risk in Polk County stands at 82.44, making it your most significant hazard—well above the state average. Tornado risk (63.49) and earthquake risk (55.47) are moderate concerns, but your lower flood risk (53.37) reflects the county's elevated terrain.
Insurance essentials for Polk
Prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wildfire damage, including ember intrusion and defensible space requirements. Consider earthquake coverage as a supplement, and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Polk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Polk County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Polk County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 46th percentile. Even at the 46th percentile, Polk County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Polk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (55th percentile), flood (53th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 82th percentile nationally, Polk County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Polk County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Polk County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Polk County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Polk County's composite risk score sits 9.4 points below the Arkansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Polk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Polk County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Polk County?
How does Polk County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Polk County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Polk 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.