Bethel Census Area Disaster Risk
Bethel Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bethel Census Area, Alaska
Below national average despite wildfire exposure
Bethel Census Area's 44.31 composite score is well below the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating despite the state's second-highest wildfire risk (83.84). The region's low flood and tornado risks help offset the significant fire threat.
Mid-range risk in Alaska's landscape
At 44.31, Bethel Census Area ranks above Alaska's 35.22 state average and occupies the moderate-risk tier among the state's 29 counties. It's riskier than coastal boroughs but less exposed than Anchorage Municipality.
Wildfire exposure sets it apart
Bethel Census Area's wildfire risk of 83.84 ranks second-highest statewide, significantly outpacing the modest fire exposure in nearby Bristol Bay Borough (34.22). This wildfire intensity is the primary factor elevating Bethel's overall risk profile above many Alaska neighbors.
Wildfire and earthquake threaten equally
Wildfire risk scores an extreme 83.84—second only to Denali Borough—while earthquake risk at 49.40 poses the secondary threat. Flood (9.57) and tornado (1.43) risks remain manageable, making fire and seismic hazards the clear priorities.
Prepare for fire and seismic activity
Wildfire poses the most immediate threat to Bethel homes; create defensible space, clear gutters, and ensure fire-resistant landscaping. Add earthquake insurance to your standard homeowners policy to address the region's secondary seismic exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bethel Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bethel Census Area
Risk Verdict
Bethel Census Area sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 44th percentile across all U.S. counties. Bethel Census Area's lower-than-average risk profile at the 44th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Bethel Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (10th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 84th percentile nationally for wildfire, Bethel Census Area residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Bethel Census Area's secondary hazard, earthquake at the 49th percentile nationally, indicates that post-fire landscape changes can elevate flood risk in watersheds — a compounding factor residents in burned areas should monitor. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Bethel Census Area residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.1 points above the Alaska state average puts Bethel Census Area in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Bethel Census Area's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bethel Census Area, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Bethel Census Area?
How does Bethel Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Bethel Census Area at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bethel Census Area higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.