Saline County Disaster Risk
Saline County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Saline County, Arkansas
Saline County's elevated risk
Saline County's composite risk score of 77.64 sits well above the national average, though it carries a Relatively Low overall rating. Multiple hazard types here cluster above typical U.S. levels, demanding proactive preparation.
Above average for Arkansas
At 77.64, Saline County ranks well above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's riskier counties. Only Pulaski County exceeds this exposure significantly.
Riskier than most neighbors
Saline County (77.64) exceeds Polk County (46.12) and Prairie County (41.38) but closely mirrors Pope County (77.83). Your central Arkansas location concentrates multiple natural disaster risks alongside a growing population.
Tornadoes and earthquakes lead
Tornado risk reaches 89.06 while earthquake risk stands at 89.25, making these your co-equal primary threats. Flood risk (74.90) is also substantial, creating a triple hazard that demands serious attention.
Triple-threat insurance strategy
Ensure your homeowners policy covers earthquakes, wind/hail from tornadoes, and flood damage—separate policies may be needed for flood and earthquake. Create a detailed tornado shelter plan with a basement or interior room, maintain 72 hours of emergency supplies, and review your earthquake preparedness annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Saline County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Saline County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Saline County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Saline County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Saline County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (75th percentile), wildfire (62th percentile), hurricane (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 89th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Saline 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. The county's tornado risk at the 89th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Saline 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 22.1 points above the Arkansas state average, Saline County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Arkansas county.
Is your household prepared for Saline County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Saline County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Saline County?
How does Saline County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Saline County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Saline 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.