Sharp County Disaster Risk
Sharp County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sharp County, Arkansas
Sharp County has moderate-to-low disaster risk
Sharp County's composite risk score of 68.07 places it below the national average, classifying it as relatively low-risk overall. However, the county faces significant exposure in certain hazard categories, particularly earthquakes and tornadoes. Compared to typical American counties, Sharp County residents experience below-average total disaster threat.
Middle-tier risk within Arkansas
Sharp County scores 68.07, moderately above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it in the upper-middle range of state risk. The county faces somewhat elevated hazard exposure compared to other Arkansas areas. This positioning reflects heightened earthquake and tornado vulnerability relative to the state baseline.
Among the riskier nearby counties
Sharp County's score of 68.07 exceeds neighboring Stone County (49.87) but sits close to Sevier County (64.95). The county experiences notably higher earthquake risk (86.64) than most adjacent areas, setting it apart from immediate neighbors. Its tornado threat aligns with regional patterns at 76.30.
Earthquakes and tornadoes require attention
Sharp County faces significant earthquake risk at 86.64—substantially higher than most Arkansas counties and a primary structural safety concern. Tornado risk scores 76.30, creating secondary but serious spring and fall weather threats. Flood risk is moderate at 66.35, reflecting the county's terrain and drainage patterns.
Prioritize earthquake and windstorm insurance
Sharp County residents should strongly consider earthquake insurance given the exceptional 86.64 risk score—significantly higher than state average. Homeowners insurance should include robust windstorm and hail coverage for the 76.30 tornado risk. Structural reinforcement of foundations and secure fastening of heavy items can mitigate earthquake damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sharp County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sharp County
Risk Verdict
Sharp County's FEMA risk score places it at the 68th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Sharp County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (66th percentile), wildfire (55th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, Sharp County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Tornado at the 76th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Sharp County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Sharp County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Arkansas county average is 12.6 composite points below Sharp County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Sharp County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sharp County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Sharp County?
How does Sharp County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Sharp County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sharp 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.