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

Woodruff County Disaster Risk

Woodruff County, Arkansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

42th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#54

of 75 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

34th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 88% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Woodruff County, Arkansas

Woodruff County shows low risk overall

With a composite risk score of 42.27, Woodruff County ranks as very low for natural disaster risk—well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard categories compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

Woodruff County's score of 42.27 places it meaningfully below the state average of 55.51, ranking it among Arkansas's lower-risk counties. Its low flood risk of 34.48 and minimal wildfire risk of 11.61 are particularly advantageous compared to state peers.

The safest in its region

Woodruff County's 42.27 composite risk is substantially lower than both White County (85.72) and Yell County (58.94), making it the safest option in its immediate area. This favorable position reflects notably lower exposures to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes than neighboring counties.

Earthquake risk still requires attention

While overall risk is low, earthquake exposure at 87.95 remains the county's primary concern despite limited seismic activity in surrounding areas. Tornado risk of 65.71 represents a secondary but manageable hazard compared to regional peers.

Earthquake coverage is your priority

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and flood, but earthquake damage requires separate coverage—essential even in lower-risk Woodruff County given the 87.95 score. With modest overall disaster risk, you can afford to focus insurance spending on this specific vulnerability.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Woodruff County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    88th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    66th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    50th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Woodruff County

Risk Verdict

At the 42th percentile nationally, Woodruff County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 42th percentile nationally is an advantage for Woodruff County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Woodruff County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (50th percentile), flood (34th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Woodruff County ranks at the 88th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Tornado at the 66th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Woodruff County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For earthquake preparedness, Woodruff County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.

Regional Context

A composite score 13.2 points below the Arkansas state average puts Woodruff County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Woodruff 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 Woodruff County, AR?
Woodruff County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 42th 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 Woodruff County?
Woodruff County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (88th percentile), tornado (66th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile), flooding (34th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 88th 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 Woodruff County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Woodruff County's composite risk percentile is 42th, compared to the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Woodruff County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Arkansas.
Is Woodruff County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Woodruff County's earthquake risk is at the 88th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Woodruff County is at the 34th 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.
Is Woodruff County a safe place to live?
Woodruff County's composite risk score of 42th percentile is below the Arkansas state average of 56th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 88th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Columbia County

Arkansas

-0.2

Very Low

42th percentile

Prairie County

Arkansas

-0.9

Very Low

41th percentile

Clark County

Arkansas

-1.2

Very Low

41th 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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