Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Arkansas
Washington County faces elevated disaster risk
Washington County's composite risk score of 92.27 is substantially above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area and one of America's highest-risk counties. The score reflects significant and widespread hazard exposure across multiple disaster types. Residents here face far greater natural disaster vulnerability than typical Americans.
Highest-risk county in Arkansas
Washington County ranks first among all Arkansas counties with a composite risk score of 92.27, compared to the state average of 55.51. The county faces the greatest combined natural disaster exposure of any Arkansas county by a substantial margin. This exceptional standing reflects extraordinary vulnerabilities across tornadoes, wildfires, and floods.
Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties
Washington County's score of 92.27 far exceeds all adjacent counties, including Sebastian County (86.80) and Van Buren County (50.57). The county's risk exposure is unique in its region, with substantially higher tornado, wildfire, and flood vulnerabilities. This elevated hazard concentration distinguishes Washington County as exceptionally vulnerable within Arkansas.
Tornadoes, wildfires, and floods pose greatest threats
Tornado risk in Washington County reaches 95.36—nearly the nation's highest—creating an extraordinary severe weather threat that dwarfs other hazards. Wildfire risk scores 94.05 and flood risk reaches 90.14, creating a triple threat to homes and property. Together, these three hazards account for the county's exceptional composite risk score.
Invest in comprehensive protection now
Washington County residents should install a safe room or basement shelter immediately given the 95.36 tornado risk—the highest in Arkansas. Homeowners insurance must include comprehensive windstorm, hail, and flood coverage; separate flood insurance through NFIP is essential given the 90.14 flood risk. Wildfire insurance and defensible space maintenance around your property are equally critical given the 94.05 wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 92th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Washington County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (90th percentile), earthquake (84th percentile), hurricane (54th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 95th percentile nationally. In Washington County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 94th percentile nationally means Washington County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Washington County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Washington County households.
Regional Context
Washington County falls 36.8 points above Arkansas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Washington County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.