Natural Disaster Risk in Van Buren
Arkansas
Risk Summary for Van Buren
Van Buren scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Ice Storm.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Van Buren, Arkansas
Located in the interior eastern United States in Crawford County, Van Buren is a city of approximately 34,546 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 Van Buren a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Van Buren'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 wildfire.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Van Buren'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 Crawford County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Van Buren'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.
What this means for Van Buren: Ice Storm preparedness
- Keep walkways treated and avoid travel during freezing-rain events.
- Have a backup heat source and charged devices ready before winter storms arrive.
- Prepare for multi-day power outages, as ice accretion frequently downs power lines.
Local Factors for Van Buren
These city-level factors differentiate Van Buren from other communities in Crawford County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
34,546
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.2/10
Coordinates
35.4689° N, 94.3489° W
Crawford County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Van Buren
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Van Buren
Other cities in Arkansas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.