Photo: Brandonrush · CC BY-SA 4.0On FEMA’s figures, Waldron faces more hazard damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Waldron gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns, #47 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%), then ice storms (16%). Flood insurance has paid 8 claims here since 1990.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Waldron faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Ice storms
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Waldron’s grade
River and rain flooding is 62% of the building damage FEMA expects in Waldron, and Waldron’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 62% of U.S. census tracts. Ice storms add 16%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C #47 of 123 in Arkansas; higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Waldron’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Arkansas town has higher expected damage than 73% of U.S. towns; within the state, Waldron has less expected damage per building than 62% of Arkansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.1M a year in losses across Waldron: $938K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Waldron flood? Rarely: 8 flood claims since 1990
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Waldron, from FEMA’s records: 4.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 60% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Mid-spring storms1 claim · $4K
Waldron isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Scott County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Waldron
Disasters that paid out in Waldron itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Waldron), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding41 households applied for aid$54K aid approved
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$267K to the City of Waldron for repairs
Scott County has had 18 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Waldron after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Waldron archive →Get ready for what Waldron faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Waldron
Is Waldron at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Waldron has higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #47 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%) and ice storms (16%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Waldron flood?
Flood insurance has paid 8 claims in Waldron since 1990, $1.0M in all, or 4.9 per 1,000 homes, more than 60% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 2 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (1).
Is Waldron in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Scott County, 0.2% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Waldron?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Waldron’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Waldron?
By FEMA money that reached Waldron, Severe Winter Ice Storm (2000): $267K to the City of Waldron for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 1 paid, $4K.
Is Waldron at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (62%), and Waldron’s rate for it is higher than 62% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Waldron.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Waldron’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.