Natural Disaster Risk in Benton

Natural Hazard Profile: Benton, Arkansas

Located in the interior eastern United States in Saline County, Benton is a city of approximately 30,055 residents. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Arkansas — marked by hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Benton a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Benton's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. Secondary hazards include heat and earthquake.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Benton's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by ice storm and heat, as measured by FEMA across Saline County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Benton's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.