Memphis and Arkansas Bridge · Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]) · CC BY 3.0FEMA expects more hazard damage per building in West Memphis than in 91% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Memphis gets a D for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns, #117 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (51%), then earthquakes (41%). Flood insurance has paid 652 claims here since 1979.
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 stands out about West Memphis’ natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What West Memphis 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
Earthquakes
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 West Memphis’ grade
River and rain flooding is 51% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Memphis, and West Memphis’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 85% of U.S. census tracts. Earthquakes add 41%, at a rate in the top 8% of U.S. census tracts.
D #117 of 123 in Arkansas; higher expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West Memphis’ residents live in 13 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, West Memphis has more expected damage per building than 95% of Arkansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $21.4M a year in losses across West Memphis: $11.3M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Memphis flood? Yes: 652 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Memphis, from FEMA’s records: 58.5 per 1,000 homes, more than 94% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Mid-spring storms65 claims · $1.9M
- The Central U.S. April Flooding25 claims · $2.1M
- The Late winter severe storms3 claims · $16K
West Memphis is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Crittenden County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Memphis
Disasters that paid out in West Memphis itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of West Memphis), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding612 households applied for aid$2.7M aid approved$79K to the City of West Memphis for repairs26 flood claims paid that year
- 2011Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding1,517 households applied for aid$2.5M aid approved$611K to the City of West Memphis for repairs65 flood claims paid that year
- 2003Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding21 households applied for aid$20K aid approved5 flood claims paid that year
- 2001Severe Storms and Flooding$53K to the City of West Memphis for repairs42 flood claims paid that year
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$203K to the City of West Memphis for repairs
Crittenden County has had 16 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 West Memphis after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Memphis archive →West Memphis and its neighbors
West Memphis is 3rd of the 3 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. Tap a town to see its hazards.
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what West Memphis 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- 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.
- West Memphis residents get 05% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in West Memphis
Is West Memphis at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Memphis has higher expected damage per building than 91% of U.S. towns: D for hazard risk, #117 of 123 in Arkansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (51%) and earthquakes (41%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West Memphis flood?
Flood insurance has paid 652 claims in West Memphis since 1979, $10.8M in all, or 58.5 per 1,000 homes, more than 94% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 69 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Mid-spring storms (65).
Is West Memphis 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 Crittenden County, 20% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 2.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Memphis?
West Memphis is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 9), which takes 05% off federal flood insurance policies for its flood-proofing work. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in West Memphis?
By FEMA money that reached West Memphis, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Associated Flooding (2011): 1,517 households applied for aid, $2.5M approved, and $611K to the City of West Memphis for repairs. By flood claims, Mid-spring storms: 65 paid, $1.9M.
Is West Memphis at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (51%), and West Memphis’ rate for it is higher than 85% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Memphis.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Memphis’ 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.