Scott County Disaster Risk
Scott County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Arkansas
Scott County is very safe
Scott County's composite risk score of 26.84 ranks among the nation's safest counties, with a Very Low risk rating. You enjoy exceptional natural disaster protection compared to most of America.
Arkansas's safest county
At 26.84, Scott County sits nearly 29 points below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's least-threatened county. This exceptional safety is a genuine advantage for residents and property owners.
Among the safest in the region
Scott County (26.84) is the safest in its cluster, followed closely by Searcy County (27.74) and well ahead of Polk County (46.12). Your western Arkansas mountainous location provides natural protection that neighboring counties lack.
Wildfire is your main concern
Wildfire risk (67.08) is Scott County's highest hazard, though even this remains moderate in national context. Flood risk (45.04) is next, while tornado, earthquake, and hurricane risks all stay well below state averages.
Wildfire prevention is key
Focus your preparedness on wildfire risk by maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around your home and clearing tree debris from gutters. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire; ensure your policy is current and consider evacuation planning if you're near forest areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scott County
Risk Verdict
Scott County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 27th percentile nationally is an advantage for Scott County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (42th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 67th percentile nationally, Scott 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 Scott County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 45th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Scott County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Scott County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Scott County's composite risk score sits 28.7 points below the Arkansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Scott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scott County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Scott County?
How does Scott County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Scott County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Scott 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.