Natural Disaster Risk in Baxter County

Natural Hazard Profile: Baxter County, Arkansas

Baxter County is located in the United States in Arkansas, home to roughly 41,603 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity, with a volatile spring storm season shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Baxter County carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high category. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and earthquake.

Baxter County's risk score, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Baxter County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, wind, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Baxter County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.