Pine Bluff, Arkansas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pine Bluff is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jefferson County.
Pine Bluff is a city of 39,743 people in Jefferson County, Arkansas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $37.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 666 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 37 tornadoes and 78 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 9 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jefferson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pine Bluff
Full Jefferson 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Earthquake | $11M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $652K | |
| Hail | $498K | |
| Cold wave | $483K | |
| Hurricane | $236K | |
| Drought | $224K | |
| Winter weather | $125K |
Homes in Pine Bluff
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 Jefferson County
Common questions about Pine Bluff
Is Pine Bluff safe from natural disasters?
Pine Bluff is in Jefferson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pine Bluff?
By expected yearly losses in Jefferson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (High). Jefferson County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pine Bluff get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 37 tornadoes in Jefferson County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 14, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Pine Bluff?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jefferson County, about 0.9% 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.