Natural Disaster Risk in Carthage

Natural Hazard Profile: Carthage, Arkansas

Carthage is a small unincorporated community in Dallas County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity, with a volatile spring storm season shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Carthage.

FEMA rates Carthage's composite natural disaster risk at 4.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. Freezing rain and ice accretion are the primary winter hazard, with glaze ice events capable of downing power lines, snapping tree limbs, and making roads impassable for days. Residents should also account for earthquake and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.

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

Carthage's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that ice storm exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.