Chugach Census Area Disaster Risk
Chugach Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Exceptionally safe despite coastal exposure
Chugach Census Area's 19.62 composite score is one of Alaska's lowest and far below the national average, earning Very Low rating. Minimal flood, wildfire, and tornado risks combine with modest earthquake exposure to create an unusually protected region.
Among Alaska's safest communities
Chugach Census Area ranks near the bottom of Alaska's 29 counties at 19.62—well below the state average of 35.22. Only Bristol Bay Borough and a handful of other remote areas offer comparable safety.
Far safer than Anchorage to the north
Chugach Census Area at 19.62 is nearly five times safer than neighboring Anchorage Municipality (97.39), though both face similar seismic activity. Anchorage's wildfire and flood exposures drive its dramatically higher overall risk.
Earthquake and flooding are primary hazards
Earthquake risk scores 81.81 and flood risk at 20.80 are Chugach's main natural disaster concerns, while wildfire (1.30) and tornado (0.06) risks remain negligible. These two hazards account for the area's limited but present vulnerability.
Earthquake and flood coverage recommended
Secure earthquake insurance to cover Chugach's 81.81 seismic exposure, and evaluate flood insurance if your home is near water or wetlands. These two policies address essentially all meaningful natural disaster risk in this protected region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chugach Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chugach Census Area
Risk Verdict
Chugach Census Area carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 20th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Residents of Chugach Census Area can use the 20th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Chugach Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 21th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (1th percentile), tornado (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chugach Census Area's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 82th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 21th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Chugach Census Area that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Chugach Census Area residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Alaska county average, Chugach Census Area's composite score runs 15.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Chugach 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 Chugach Census Area, AK?
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How does Chugach Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
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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.