Yell County Disaster Risk
Yell County, Arkansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 75 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Yell County, Arkansas
Yell County sits near state baseline
Yell County's composite risk score of 58.94 ranks as relatively low, sitting just slightly above Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This moderate profile reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazards without extreme concentrations in any single category.
Close to average among Arkansas counties
With a score of 58.94 versus the state average of 55.51, Yell County clusters near the middle of Arkansas's risk distribution. The county ranks well below the most hazardous areas but exceeds safer counties like Woodruff.
Moderate risk between two extremes
Yell County's 58.94 score positions it squarely between low-risk Woodruff County (42.27) and high-risk White County (85.72), representing a middle ground in the region. This balanced exposure reflects diverse hazards without the extreme concentrations found in either neighbor.
Tornadoes and floods top concerns
Tornado risk of 81.14 and flood risk of 64.85 represent Yell County's primary natural disaster threats, both significant enough to warrant preparation. Wildfire risk at 68.19 adds a third notable concern, particularly during dry seasons.
Ensure comprehensive coverage now
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes but often excludes or limits flood coverage—you'll need a separate flood policy given the 64.85 flood risk score. Review coverage annually and verify wind/hail protection are adequate for Yell County's tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Yell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Yell County
Risk Verdict
Yell County's FEMA risk score places it at the 59th 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
Tornado risk is Yell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (67th percentile), flood (65th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally makes Yell County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 68th percentile nationally means Yell County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Yell County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Yell County sits within 3.4 composite points of the Arkansas state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Yell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Yell County, AR?
What types of natural hazards affect Yell County?
How does Yell County risk compare to the Arkansas average?
Is Yell County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Yell 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.