St. Francis County Disaster Risk
St. Francis County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Francis County, Arkansas
St. Francis County has elevated disaster risk
St. Francis County's composite risk score of 74.75 exceeds the national average, reflecting above-typical hazard exposure across multiple hazard types. The county earns a relatively low-risk designation but sits at the higher end of that category. This elevated positioning is driven by exceptional tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Mid-to-high risk ranking in Arkansas
St. Francis County scores 74.75, significantly above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county ranks in the upper tier of Arkansas disaster risk, with particularly acute vulnerabilities. This standing reflects exposure patterns distinct from much of the rest of the state.
Substantially riskier than regional peers
St. Francis County's score of 74.75 far exceeds neighboring Crittenden County and eastern Arkansas counties typical of the Delta region. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (90.62) and tornado risk (96.25) than immediate neighbors. Its exceptional tornado vulnerability distinguishes it within the broader northeast Arkansas area.
Tornadoes pose exceptional threat
Tornado risk in St. Francis County reaches 96.25—among the nation's highest and representing an extraordinary severe weather threat. Earthquake risk of 90.62 is likewise exceptional, creating significant structural vulnerability concerns. Flood risk is comparatively low at 41.19, though the county's flat Delta terrain requires monitoring.
Install safe rooms and robust coverage
St. Francis County residents face the state's most severe tornado risk at 96.25, making a residential safe room or shelter essential for safety. Homeowners insurance must include comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage; additional endorsements are strongly advised. Earthquake insurance is critical given the 90.62 risk score—among the highest in Arkansas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Francis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Francis County
Risk Verdict
St. Francis County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 75th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind St. Francis County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is St. Francis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (51th percentile), flood (41th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 96th percentile nationally for tornado risk, St. Francis County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. St. Francis County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for St. Francis County at the 91th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. St. Francis County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 19.2 points above the Arkansas state average puts St. Francis County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for St. Francis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Francis County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Francis County?
How does St. Francis County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is St. Francis County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Francis 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.