Benton, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Benton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Saline County.
Benton is a city of 36,595 people in Saline County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Saline County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $40.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 844 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 56 tornadoes and 133 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 5 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Saline County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Benton
Full Saline 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $973K | |
| Strong wind | $957K | |
| Winter weather | $244K | |
| Hurricane | $144K | |
| Wildfire | $101K |
Homes in Benton
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 Saline County
Common questions about Benton
Is Benton safe from natural disasters?
Benton is in Saline County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Benton?
By expected yearly losses in Saline County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Saline County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Benton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 56 tornadoes in Saline County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 1, 1997 near Benton. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Benton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Saline County, about 0.5% 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.