Pulaski County Disaster Risk
Pulaski County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
97th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pulaski County, Arkansas
Pulaski County faces high risk
Pulaski County's composite risk score of 96.79 ranks it among the highest-risk counties in the nation, with a Relatively High rating that demands serious attention. Nearly every major hazard type tests well above average here.
Arkansas's riskiest county
Pulaski County's 96.79 score far exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's highest-risk county by a significant margin. This concentration of hazards is unmatched elsewhere in Arkansas.
Dramatically riskier than neighbors
Pulaski County (96.79) dwarfs nearby Saline County (77.64) and Randolph County (66.98) in risk exposure. Your location in central Arkansas's largest urban area creates a unique hazard density that surrounding rural counties don't face.
Tornadoes top a critical list
Tornado risk stands at 99.17—nearly the highest possible score—while earthquake risk (98.16) and flood risk (96.76) are equally alarming. Wildfire risk (71.82) and hurricane risk (71.76) round out a comprehensive hazard profile.
Maximum protection required
Invest immediately in a reinforced safe room or basement shelter rated for EF3+ tornadoes—non-negotiable in Pulaski County. Combine comprehensive homeowners and flood insurance, secure earthquake coverage, and maintain 30-day emergency supplies including water, medications, and cash in case infrastructure fails.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pulaski County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pulaski County
Risk Verdict
Pulaski County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 97th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pulaski County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (97th percentile), wildfire (72th percentile), hurricane (72th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pulaski County ranks at the 99th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Pulaski County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 98th percentile nationally means Pulaski County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Pulaski 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
Compared to other Arkansas counties, Pulaski County runs 41.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Pulaski County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pulaski County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Pulaski County?
How does Pulaski County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Pulaski County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pulaski 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.