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

Sevier County Disaster Risk

Sevier County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

65th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#28

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

48th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Sevier County, Arkansas

Sevier County has below-average disaster risk

Sevier County's composite risk score of 64.95 sits below the national average, earning a relatively low-risk designation. While still experiencing meaningful hazard exposure, this county is among the safer areas in America for natural disasters. The score reflects moderate but manageable risks across several hazard types.

Below-average risk within Arkansas

Sevier County scores 64.95 on composite risk, meaningfully lower than Arkansas's state average of 55.51—placing it in the safer half of state counties. However, this represents the upper end of the 'relatively low' category statewide. Sevier ranks roughly in the middle tier for Arkansas disaster risk.

Comparable risk to nearby counties

Sevier County's risk profile of 64.95 is similar to Sharp County (68.07) and moderately higher than Union County (53.88). The county faces somewhat greater tornado exposure than its western neighbors but less wildfire risk than southern adjacent areas. Regional disaster risks are relatively consistent across this portion of Arkansas.

Tornadoes and earthquakes drive risk profile

Tornado risk in Sevier County scores 63.55, creating the primary severe weather threat residents face. Earthquake risk of 61.70 presents a secondary but notable concern for structural safety. Wildfire risk is moderate at 58.05, requiring awareness but not extreme precaution.

Ensure tornado and earthquake preparedness

Sevier County homeowners should maintain adequate coverage for wind and hail damage tied to tornado events with a risk score of 63.55. Earthquake insurance is worth evaluating given the 61.70 earthquake risk score—it's often available as an affordable add-on. Establishing a family emergency plan and shelter-in-place strategy will maximize safety during severe weather.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Sevier County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    64th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    62th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    58th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Sevier County

Risk Verdict

Sevier County ranks at the 65th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Sevier County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (58th percentile), hurricane (54th percentile), flood (48th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Sevier County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Sevier County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 62th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Sevier County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Sevier 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, Sevier County runs 9.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.

Is your household prepared for Sevier 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 Sevier County, AR?
Sevier County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 65th 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 Sevier County?
Sevier County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (64th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile), wildfire (58th percentile), hurricane (54th percentile), flooding (48th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 64th 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 Sevier County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Sevier County's composite risk percentile is 65th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Sevier County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Sevier County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Sevier County's tornado risk is at the 64th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Sevier County is at the 48th 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.
Why is Sevier County higher risk than average?
Sevier County's composite risk score of 65th percentile is above the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (64th percentile), along with earthquake and wildfire and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Cross County

Arkansas

-0.0

Relatively Low

65th percentile

Carroll County

Arkansas

-0.4

Relatively Low

65th percentile

Arkansas County

Arkansas

-1.7

Relatively Low

63th 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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