Arkansas is the smallest of the four states in our core hail dataset by event count, but small does not mean quiet. From 2014 through 2024, the state recorded 2,215 hail events across 75 counties. The maximum hail size reached 5.00 inches, and the most active year — 2023 at 346 events — fell in the final portion of the dataset, suggesting that Arkansas hail exposure may be growing rather than fading.
Year-by-Year Arkansas Hail Events
| Year | Hail Events (AR) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 198 |
| 2015 | 219 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2017 | 219 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 91 |
| 2020 | 184 |
| 2021 | 153 |
| 2022 | 251 |
| 2023 | 346 |
| 2024 | 193 |
| Total (11 yrs) | 2,215 |
Reading the Arkansas Pattern
Arkansas shows a more variable pattern than the other three states. The lowest year was 2019 at just 91 events — a sharp dip that stands out against surrounding years. That trough recovered steadily through 2022 and then jumped to 346 in 2023 before returning to 193 in 2024. The 2023 peak is almost certainly connected to the same broad Plains storm pattern that drove Texas to 1,912 events that year, but the Arkansas numbers reflect the state's position on the eastern edge of the primary hail corridor.
The 5.00-inch maximum hail size matches Kansas's maximum and underscores that even in a lower-frequency state, the severity ceiling is real. A single 5-inch hailstorm over a populated county creates immediate, concentrated demand for roofing services that smaller annual totals can obscure.
Arkansas Contractor Licensing
Arkansas has a clear licensing threshold. Contractors performing jobs valued at more than $2,000 must hold a state contractor license issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). This threshold is significant after a hail event, when most roof replacements easily exceed that value. Homeowners should ask any contractor for their ACLB license number before signing a contract, and they can verify the license status directly on the ACLB's online lookup tool.
The $2,000 threshold also means that some smaller repair jobs technically fall below the licensing requirement. Homeowners should still confirm that any contractor carries adequate liability insurance, regardless of the job size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hail events did Arkansas have over 11 years?
Arkansas recorded 2,215 hail events across 75 counties from 2014 through 2024, the lowest total among the four states in our primary dataset.
What year had the most hail in Arkansas?
2023 was the peak year at 346 events. The quietest year was 2019 at 91 events.
Does Arkansas require a roofing contractor license?
Yes, for jobs exceeding $2,000 in value. The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) issues and maintains contractor licenses. Most post-hail roof repairs or replacements exceed this threshold.
What is the largest hail ever recorded in Arkansas?
The maximum hail stone in our Arkansas dataset measured 5.00 inches. Hail at this size causes severe damage to shingles, gutters, and other roofing components.
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