Van Buren County Disaster Risk
Van Buren County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
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 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Van Buren County, Arkansas
Van Buren County has low disaster risk
Van Buren County's composite risk score of 50.57 sits below the national average, classifying it as relatively low-risk. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure compared to most American counties. This favorable positioning reflects a balanced hazard profile with no exceptionally severe vulnerabilities.
Below-average risk within Arkansas
Van Buren County scores 50.57, clearly below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's safest counties. The county ranks favorably for overall disaster risk compared to most Arkansas areas. This positioning reflects reduced composite hazard exposure relative to state trends.
Among the safest nearby counties
Van Buren County's score of 50.57 is competitive with Stone County (49.87) and substantially lower than Sebastian County (86.80). The county experiences notably lower tornado and earthquake risks than immediately adjacent areas to the east. Its geographic location in the northwestern Ozarks contributes to this comparative safety advantage.
Tornadoes and wildfires require monitoring
Tornado risk in Van Buren County scores 82.70, creating the primary severe weather threat despite being below-average nationally. Wildfire risk reaches 75.19, creating secondary exposure during dry periods, particularly in forested portions of the county. Earthquake risk of 76.88 is moderate but warrants structural awareness.
Standard coverage handles primary hazards
Van Buren County homeowners should maintain insurance with adequate windstorm and hail coverage for the 82.70 tornado risk—typically included in standard policies. Wildfire insurance or endorsements are worth considering if your property borders forested areas, given the 75.19 wildfire score. A basic tornado safety plan and weather alert subscription will adequately address the county's main disaster risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Van Buren County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Van Buren County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Van Buren County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 51th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Van Buren County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Van Buren County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (75th percentile), flood (48th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 83th percentile nationally, Van Buren County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Van Buren County at the 77th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Van Buren County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Van Buren County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Arkansas county average, with a 4.9-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Van Buren County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Van Buren County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Van Buren County?
How does Van Buren County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Van Buren 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.