Bella Vista, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bella Vista is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Benton County.
Bella Vista is a city of 31,697 people in Benton County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Benton County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, ice storm and heat wave, with about $91.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,236 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 69 tornadoes and 145 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Benton County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bella Vista
Full Benton County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines.
- Plan for several days without power.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $50M | |
| Ice storm | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Drought | $129K |
Homes in Bella Vista
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Benton County
More cities in Benton County
Common questions about Bella Vista
Is Bella Vista safe from natural disasters?
Bella Vista is in Benton County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, ice storm, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bella Vista?
By expected yearly losses in Benton County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), ice storm (Very High), heat wave (Moderate). Benton County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bella Vista get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 69 tornadoes in Benton County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on May 26, 2024 near Cherokee City. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Bella Vista?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Benton County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.