Sebastian County Disaster Risk
Sebastian County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sebastian County, Arkansas
Sebastian County faces above-average disaster risk
Sebastian County's composite risk score of 86.80 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area. This score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and wildfires. Residents here face notably higher natural disaster risk than most Americans.
Second-highest risk county in Arkansas
Sebastian County ranks second among Arkansas counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score of 86.80 compared to the state average of 55.51. Only one Arkansas county faces greater combined hazard exposure. This elevated standing reflects the county's vulnerability to tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Sebastian County's risk score of 86.80 substantially exceeds that of neighboring Van Buren County (50.57) and Stone County (49.87). Even compared to nearby Crawford and Franklin counties, Sebastian faces considerably greater natural disaster exposure. This concentration of risk is driven by the county's tornado and wildfire susceptibility.
Tornadoes and wildfires pose greatest threats
Tornado risk in Sebastian County scores 94.24—among the highest in the nation—making severe convective storms your most pressing hazard. Wildfire risk scores 90.36, creating secondary but serious threats to homes and infrastructure. Together, these two hazards account for much of the county's elevated composite risk score.
Secure comprehensive coverage now
Sebastian County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with robust windstorm and hail coverage given the extreme tornado risk of 94.24. Consider separate wildfire insurance or endorsements, as standard policies often exclude or limit wildfire damage. Maintaining a safe room or shelter-in-place strategy is equally critical for tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sebastian County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sebastian County
Risk Verdict
Sebastian County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sebastian County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (86th percentile), earthquake (85th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Sebastian County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 94th percentile nationally. For Sebastian County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 90th percentile nationally means Sebastian County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Sebastian County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Sebastian County's composite risk score sits 31.3 points above the Arkansas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sebastian County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sebastian County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Sebastian County?
How does Sebastian County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Sebastian County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sebastian 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.