Bristol Bay Borough Disaster Risk
Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
0th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska
Among safest counties in America
Bristol Bay Borough's composite score of just 1.21 ranks among the lowest-risk counties nationwide, earning a Very Low rating. This extremely safe profile reflects minimal exposure across flood, wildfire, and tornado hazards despite modest earthquake potential.
Safest community in Alaska by far
At 1.21, Bristol Bay Borough scores dramatically lower than Alaska's 35.22 state average and is the state's safest county by a wide margin. No other Alaskan community approaches this level of natural disaster protection.
Dramatically safer than regional peers
Bristol Bay Borough at 1.21 is roughly 37 times safer than Bethel Census Area (44.31) and 73 times safer than Anchorage Municipality (97.39). Its unique geographic and climatic position creates exceptional hazard protection compared to all Alaskan neighbors.
Only earthquake poses real threat
Earthquake risk at 71.91 is Bristol Bay's sole significant hazard, while wildfire (34.22) remains moderate and flood, tornado risks near zero. The borough's remarkable overall safety stems entirely from minimal exposure to weather-related disasters.
Earthquake insurance covers the exposure
Even in Alaska's safest borough, earthquake risk at 71.91 warrants dedicated seismic coverage since standard homeowners insurance excludes it. This single policy addresses virtually all meaningful natural disaster risk in Bristol Bay.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bristol Bay Borough
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bristol Bay Borough
Risk Verdict
At the 1th percentile nationally, Bristol Bay Borough experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. No county at the 1th percentile is entirely free of natural hazard exposure; Bristol Bay Borough residents benefit from staying alert to local conditions and signing up for county emergency alerts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Bristol Bay Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (0th percentile), flood (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bristol Bay Borough ranks at the 72th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Wildfire, at the 34th percentile nationally in Bristol Bay Borough, adds a weather-dependent hazard layer to what is otherwise a seismic-dominated risk profile. For earthquake preparedness, Bristol Bay Borough's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 34.0 points below the Alaska state average puts Bristol Bay Borough in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Bristol Bay Borough's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bristol Bay Borough, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Bristol Bay Borough?
How does Bristol Bay Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Bristol Bay Borough at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bristol Bay Borough a safe place to live?
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.