Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 72461
Rector, Arkansas
Risk Summary for ZIP 72461
ZIP 72461 scores 6.6/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
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: ZIP 72461, Arkansas
ZIP 72461 in Rector sits in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers and frequent severe thunderstorm activity, and notably a volatile spring storm season. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 72461 carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. Drought is the leading natural hazard, with multi-year dry periods capable of depleting water supplies, devastating agriculture, and increasing wildfire risk across the region. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and ice storm.
Within Arkansas, ZIP 72461's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Arkansas identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, ZIP 72461 residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for drought 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.
What this means for ZIP 72461: Drought preparedness
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 72461
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 72461 from other communities in Arkansas County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,643
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.8/10
Coordinates
36.2668° N, 90.2825° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 72461
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Arkansas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.