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

Prairie County Disaster Risk

Prairie County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

41th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#56

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

43th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 87% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Prairie County, Arkansas

Prairie County is very safe

Prairie County's composite risk score of 41.38 places it well below the national average with a Very Low risk rating. You live in one of the safer natural disaster zones in the country.

Arkansas's safer counties

At 41.38, Prairie County sits nearly 14 points below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the state's least threatened counties. This low exposure gives you a significant advantage in disaster preparedness costs and worry.

Among the safest in the region

Prairie County's score (41.38) sits between Scott County (26.84) and Searcy County (27.74) on the low end, and well below Randolph County (66.98). Your eastern Arkansas location provides natural protection that much of the state doesn't enjoy.

Earthquakes and tornadoes matter most

Despite overall low risk, Prairie County shows elevated earthquake risk (87.02) and moderate tornado risk (65.36)—reflecting its position near the Wabash Seismic Zone. Wildfire risk is remarkably low at 20.42, one of your key advantages.

Focus on earthquakes and storms

Ensure your homeowners policy includes earthquake coverage, which is often excluded by default and costs remarkably little in low-risk areas. Secure your heavy furniture and water heaters to prevent movement during tremors, and keep tornado awareness high during spring.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Prairie County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    87th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    65th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    50th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Prairie County

Risk Verdict

Prairie County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 41th percentile nationally. At the 41th percentile, Prairie County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Prairie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (50th percentile), flood (43th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Prairie County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Tornado at the 65th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Prairie County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Prairie County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

The Arkansas county average exceeds Prairie County's score by 14.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Prairie 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 Prairie County, AR?
Prairie County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 41th 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 Prairie County?
Prairie County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (87th percentile), tornado (65th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile), flooding (43th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 87th 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 Prairie County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Prairie County's composite risk percentile is 41th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Prairie County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Prairie County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Prairie County's earthquake risk is at the 87th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Prairie County is at the 43th 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 Prairie County a safe place to live?
Prairie County's composite risk score of 41th 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 earthquake at the 87th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Clark County

Arkansas

-0.3

Very Low

41th percentile

Columbia County

Arkansas

+0.7

Very Low

42th percentile

Woodruff County

Arkansas

+0.9

Very Low

42th 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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