Arkansas flood insurance and flood history
From FEMA's flood insurance and disaster data · Updated 2026-10-08
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data lists 10,260 flood insurance claims in Arkansas since 1978. The NFIP paid $220.6 million on them (building, contents and Increased Cost of Compliance payments, in the dollars of the year paid).
The year with the most claims was 2011, with 1,158, mostly from Mid-spring storms.
In the last ten years (2017–2026) there were 2,086 claims, and the average paid claim was $53,005.
29% of the claims with a recorded flood zone came from buildings outside FEMA's high-risk zones (rated zones B, C and X).
About 0.8% of homes in Arkansas had an NFIP flood policy in FEMA's latest count (8,993 of 1,189,681 residential buildings). In the high-risk flood zones (Special Flood Hazard Areas), it was 17% (6,825 of 40,426).
Since 2000, FEMA has made 27 flood-related disaster declarations covering parts of Arkansas. The most recent was DR-4873-AR (Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding), declared May 21, 2025.
Flood insurance claims in Arkansas by year
Show as a table
| Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | $85,040 |
| 2025 | 269 | $14.0 million |
| 2024 | 81 | $4.1 million |
| 2023 | 85 | $2.6 million |
| 2022 | 150 | $5.5 million |
| 2021 | 154 | $4.7 million |
| 2020 | 70 | $2.1 million |
| 2019 | 503 | $31.8 million |
| 2018 | 126 | $2.5 million |
| 2017 | 636 | $26.4 million |
| 2016 | 268 | $6.9 million |
| 2015 | 368 | $10.3 million |
| 2014 | 160 | $2.1 million |
| 2013 | 151 | $3.5 million |
| 2012 | 49 | $502,144 |
| 2011 | 1,158 | $30.8 million |
| 2010 | 206 | $4.9 million |
| 2009 | 687 | $15.6 million |
| 2008 | 701 | $15.5 million |
| 2007 | 63 | $533,983 |
| 2006 | 78 | $1.3 million |
| 2005 | 26 | $291,213 |
| 2004 | 165 | $2.3 million |
| 2003 | 152 | $2.6 million |
| 2002 | 118 | $2.6 million |
| 2001 | 210 | $1.7 million |
| 2000 | 38 | $411,148 |
| 1999 | 41 | $238,914 |
| 1998 | 118 | $1.3 million |
| 1997 | 199 | $2.0 million |
| 1996 | 46 | $345,387 |
| 1995 | 28 | $154,584 |
| 1994 | 83 | $586,992 |
| 1993 | 44 | $813,758 |
| 1992 | 21 | $18,972 |
| 1991 | 238 | $1.6 million |
| 1990 | 356 | $3.6 million |
| 1989 | 143 | $963,188 |
| 1988 | 141 | $402,324 |
| 1987 | 371 | $2.8 million |
| 1986 | 75 | $723,601 |
| 1985 | 67 | $212,677 |
| 1984 | 349 | $2.3 million |
| 1983 | 191 | $929,100 |
| 1982 | 361 | $2.2 million |
| 1981 | 139 | $564,266 |
| 1980 | 102 | $534,121 |
| 1979 | 170 | $525,617 |
| 1978 | 293 | $2.1 million |
Biggest flood events by NFIP payments
The flood events FEMA's claims data names most often for Arkansas, ranked by what the NFIP paid. FEMA names events in its claims records; claims without an event name aren't included here.
| Event | Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-spring storms | 2011 | 1,067 | $29.5 million |
| Late spring severe storms | 2017 | 578 | $25.8 million |
| Central U.S. April Flooding | 2025 | 220 | $11.7 million |
| March storm | 2008 | 230 | $6.7 million |
| Early winter storms | 2015 | 168 | $5.0 million |
| Spring storm | 2015 | 100 | $4.1 million |
| Flooding | 1987 | 337 | $2.7 million |
| Flooding | 1982 | 201 | $1.9 million |
| Flooding | 1978 | 216 | $1.9 million |
| Late winter severe storms | 2016 | 77 | $1.7 million |
What flood insurance costs in Arkansas
On June 30, 2026, 11,041 NFIP flood insurance policies were in force in Arkansas. For the 7,589 single-family homes among them, the typical (median) yearly cost was about $1,010; the average was $1,170.
| Rated flood zone | Policies | Typical yearly cost, single-family home | Average cost | Average building coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-risk zones (A and V) | 8,387 | $990 | $1,230 | $162,000 |
| Moderate- and low-risk zones (B, C and X) | 2,650 | $1,010 | $1,000 | $209,000 |
Cost here is what FEMA's data lists as the policy cost: the premium plus the reserve fund assessment, federal policy fee and HFIAA surcharge. It covers single-family homes only (not condos, apartments or businesses), with costs rounded to the nearest $10 and shown only where at least 20 homes back the figure. Your own price depends on your building and the coverage you choose; see how flood insurance is priced. Private flood insurance isn't included.
Policies and average cost by exact flood zone
Flood history by county
Every Arkansas county in FEMA's data, sorted by number of NFIP claims since 1978. "Insured" is the share of homes with an NFIP policy; "typical NFIP cost" is the median yearly cost for single-family homes.
| County | Claims | Paid | Insured | Typical NFIP cost | Flood declarations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulaski County | 1,720 | $30.4 million | 1.1% | $1,090 | 11 |
| Crittenden County | 887 | $12.8 million | 2.1% | $1,090 | 6 |
| Jefferson County | 596 | $14.4 million | 0.9% | $860 | 9 |
| Phillips County | 456 | $3.8 million | 1.8% | $840 | 7 |
| Washington County | 435 | $13.7 million | 0.7% | $1,040 | 7 |
| Sebastian County | 421 | $19.0 million | 0.6% | $1,090 | 6 |
| Craighead County | 410 | $7.9 million | 2.0% | $740 | 9 |
| Benton County | 338 | $9.2 million | 0.4% | $990 | 10 |
| Faulkner County | 321 | $7.7 million | 1.0% | $1,090 | 9 |
| Saline County | 275 | $7.7 million | 0.5% | $1,010 | 8 |
| Garland County | 271 | $4.3 million | 1.3% | $1,440 | 6 |
| Greene County | 235 | $1.0 million | 1.8% | $710 | 9 |
| Randolph County | 234 | $9.6 million | 1.0% | $1,090 | 10 |
| Desha County | 206 | $3.6 million | 4.2% | $840 | 7 |
| Independence County | 187 | $2.3 million | 0.5% | $990 | 12 |
| Clay County | 180 | $4.1 million | 1.3% | $760 | 9 |
| Jackson County | 174 | $3.1 million | 1.9% | $790 | 13 |
| Monroe County | 170 | $4.4 million | 2.7% | $790 | 8 |
| Chicot County | 153 | $4.2 million | 3.0% | $1,140 | 8 |
| Miller County | 140 | $2.7 million | 0.9% | $840 | 7 |
| Union County | 137 | $2.1 million | 0.5% | $1,060 | 5 |
| White County | 134 | $3.0 million | 0.4% | $1,140 | 12 |
| Baxter County | 115 | $2.9 million | 0.3% | $1,110 | 7 |
| Sharp County | 113 | $3.6 million | 0.5% | $1,460 | 8 |
| Mississippi County | 91 | $2.2 million | 0.7% | $640 | 7 |
| Ouachita County | 91 | $1.5 million | 0.6% | $1,090 | 11 |
| Arkansas County | 89 | $1.4 million | 0.9% | $810 | 8 |
| Lonoke County | 89 | $1.3 million | 0.7% | $960 | 7 |
| Prairie County | 87 | $2.8 million | 0.8% | $1,090 | 12 |
| Woodruff County | 72 | $1.7 million | 0.8% | $1,060 | 12 |
| Crawford County | 71 | $1.6 million | 0.4% | $1,010 | 8 |
| Izard County | 71 | $2.4 million | 0.7% | $1,440 | 10 |
| Poinsett County | 70 | $1.7 million | 0.7% | $660 | 11 |
| Pope County | 64 | $969,986 | 0.3% | $1,110 | 6 |
| Ashley County | 61 | $824,798 | 0.6% | $840 | 4 |
| Cross County | 61 | $2.2 million | 1.1% | $690 | 8 |
| Fulton County | 61 | $1.7 million | 0.2% | n/a | 10 |
| Bradley County | 59 | $1.4 million | 0.3% | n/a | 10 |
| Lee County | 59 | $1.3 million | 2.3% | $810 | 6 |
| Montgomery County | 57 | $1.4 million | 0.8% | $1,240 | 8 |
| Franklin County | 48 | $716,057 | 0.1% | n/a | 13 |
| Lawrence County | 48 | $896,756 | 1.5% | $1,140 | 8 |
| Drew County | 40 | $670,868 | 0.6% | $760 | 7 |
| Cleburne County | 37 | $1.2 million | 0.8% | $1,440 | 10 |
| Boone County | 35 | $484,500 | 0.1% | n/a | 9 |
| Clark County | 32 | $890,988 | 0.5% | $1,010 | 10 |
| Perry County | 30 | $1.1 million | 0.6% | $1,010 | 11 |
| Lincoln County | 29 | $700,965 | 1.3% | $760 | 11 |
| Conway County | 27 | $279,413 | 0.3% | n/a | 13 |
| St. Francis County | 27 | $446,887 | 1.2% | $760 | 7 |
| Howard County | 26 | $162,079 | 0.2% | n/a | 6 |
| Polk County | 23 | $191,764 | 0.1% | n/a | 7 |
| Hot Spring County | 20 | $294,207 | 0.4% | $1,390 | 7 |
| Sevier County | 19 | $773,771 | 0.3% | n/a | 5 |
| Van Buren County | 18 | $588,002 | 0.2% | n/a | 9 |
| Grant County | 16 | $145,456 | 0.4% | n/a | 6 |
| Columbia County | 14 | $89,566 | 0.1% | n/a | 7 |
| Yell County | 12 | $147,131 | 0.2% | n/a | 8 |
| Pike County | 10 | $377,039 | 0.4% | $1,190 | 8 |
| Scott County | 10 | $1.0 million | 0.2% | n/a | 8 |
| Calhoun County | 9 | $148,394 | 0.2% | n/a | 10 |
| Hempstead County | 9 | $617,724 | 0.1% | n/a | 8 |
| Marion County | 9 | $1.1 million | 0.2% | n/a | 13 |
| Stone County | 8 | $196,684 | 0.1% | n/a | 11 |
| Carroll County | 7 | $9,023 | 0.0% | n/a | 9 |
| Logan County | 7 | $78,179 | 0.1% | n/a | 8 |
| Madison County | 7 | $112,499 | 0.1% | n/a | 11 |
| Newton County | 7 | $119,094 | 0.0% | n/a | 13 |
| Johnson County | 6 | $34,108 | 0.4% | n/a | 9 |
| Lafayette County | 5 | $101,875 | 0.0% | n/a | 8 |
| Cleveland County | 4 | $58,297 | 0.0% | n/a | 8 |
| Little River County | 3 | $81,504 | 0.1% | n/a | 9 |
| Dallas County | 1 | $7,084 | 0.1% | n/a | 10 |
| Nevada County | 1 | $5,209 | 0.1% | n/a | 12 |
| Searcy County | 0 | $0 | 0.0% | n/a | 11 |
Flood-related FEMA disaster declarations in Arkansas
Declarations since 2000 that FEMA lists as involving flooding. "Help for individuals" means FEMA's Individual Assistance was approved for at least part of the area.
| Declaration | Declared | Event | Help for individuals |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR-4873-AR | May 21, 2025 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| EM-3627-AR | Apr 5, 2025 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4788-AR | May 30, 2024 | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4460-AR | Sep 13, 2019 | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4441-AR | Jun 8, 2019 | Severe Storms and Flooding | Yes |
| EM-3414-AR | May 30, 2019 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-4318-AR | Jun 15, 2017 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4270-AR | May 6, 2016 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4254-AR | Feb 5, 2016 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4226-AR | Jun 26, 2015 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4174-AR | Apr 29, 2014 | Severe Storms,Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4143-AR | Sep 4, 2013 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-4124-AR | Jun 25, 2013 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4000-AR | Jul 8, 2011 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1975-AR | May 2, 2011 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1872-AR | Feb 4, 2010 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-1861-AR | Dec 3, 2009 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | No |
| DR-1845-AR | Jun 16, 2009 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | No |
| DR-1793-AR | Sep 18, 2008 | Severe Storms and Flooding Associated With Hurricane Gustav | No |
| DR-1758-AR | May 20, 2008 | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes | Yes |
| DR-1751-AR | Mar 26, 2008 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1744-AR | Feb 7, 2008 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1528-AR | Jun 30, 2004 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-1516-AR | May 7, 2004 | Sever Storms, Flooding and Landslides | No |
| DR-1472-AR | Jun 6, 2003 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
Showing the 25 most recent of 27.
What to do with this
A county's history doesn't tell you your own building's risk. To see your property's flood zone, use FEMA's flood map lookup. To weigh coverage, start with do I need flood insurance? and what flood insurance costs.
Where these numbers come from
All figures on this page are calculated from FEMA's public OpenFEMA datasets:
- NFIP Redacted Claims (v3) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP claims since 1978, downloaded 2026-10-08. Dollar amounts are what the NFIP paid, not adjusted for inflation. Claims filed under private flood insurance aren't included.
- NFIP Residential Penetration Rates (v1) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP residential policy contracts in force (as of August 3, 2026) divided by FEMA's count of residential buildings from the National Structure Inventory. FEMA notes that inventory is incomplete in some counties, which can inflate the rate. Private flood policies aren't counted.
- NFIP Redacted Policies (v3) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP policies in force on June 30, 2026 (a policy counts if its term covers that date and it wasn't cancelled), downloaded 2026-10-08. Policy counts are FEMA's insured units, so a condominium association policy counts each unit. Costs are FEMA's "policy cost" (premium plus reserve fund assessment, federal policy fee and HFIAA surcharge) for single-family homes only. Policies FEMA's data doesn't place in a county count toward the state only.
- Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): disaster declarations, downloaded 2026-10-08. We count a declaration as flood-related when FEMA lists flooding (or a dam or levee break) as its incident type or a designated incident type, or the declaration's title mentions flooding.
FEMA's redacted claims data doesn't identify properties, and FEMA notes that some records lack a county or flood zone. See how we use the data.