Lawrence County

Arkansas — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

67.9

National percentile: 68th

Lawrence County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 67.9, 68th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $19M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Low Capacity to recover
Population 16K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Ice Storm
High $1M/yr
Earthquake
Medium $6M/yr
Drought
Medium $876K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Ice Storm High 1.20 / yr $1M
Earthquake Medium 0.01 / yr $6M
Drought Medium 5.00 / yr $876K
Tornado Medium 0.43 / yr $3M
Heat Wave Low 18.32 / yr $919K
Strong Wind Medium 2.07 / yr $712K
Cold Wave Low 2.42 / yr $1M
Winter Weather Low 7.42 / yr $54K
Riverine Flood Low 2.82 / yr $5M
Hurricane Very Low 0.02 / yr $53K
Lightning Low 57.02 / yr $165K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $14K
Landslide Very Low 0.42 / yr $242
Hail Very Low 3.59 / yr $45K
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lawrence County?

Lawrence County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 67.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 68th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Lawrence County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (High, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Medium, $6M EAL), Drought (Medium, $876K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Lawrence County compare to other Arkansas counties?

Lawrence County ranks #25 of 75 Arkansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Lawrence County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.