Copper River Census Area Disaster Risk
Copper River Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% 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 0% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Copper River Census Area, Alaska
Relatively low risk with wildfire intensity
Copper River Census Area's 39.95 composite score falls below the national average despite the state's third-highest wildfire risk (83.65). The region's minimal flood and tornado exposure helps offset the substantial fire threat.
Moderate-risk tier in Alaska
Copper River Census Area ranks slightly above Alaska's 35.22 state average at 39.95, placing it in the state's moderate-risk category. It's riskier than coastal boroughs but significantly safer than Anchorage Municipality.
Wildfire sets it apart from peers
Copper River Census Area's wildfire risk of 83.65 ranks third-highest statewide and vastly exceeds nearby Chugach Census Area (1.30). This exceptional fire exposure makes Copper River substantially riskier than its closest geographic neighbors.
Wildfire and earthquake are dual threats
Wildfire risk dominates at 83.65—third-worst in Alaska—while earthquake exposure at 77.77 poses a secondary threat. Flood (1.91) and tornado (0.38) risks remain minimal, making fire and seismic hazards the clear focus.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake protection
Create defensible space around your home, maintain fire-resistant landscaping, and clear gutters to mitigate the 83.65 wildfire risk. Add earthquake insurance to standard homeowners coverage to address the area's significant seismic exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Copper River Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Copper River Census Area
Risk Verdict
Copper River Census Area sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Copper River Census Area's 40th percentile ranking reflects aggregate hazard exposure; individual households still benefit from knowing the specific hazard types most relevant to their property's location.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Copper River Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (2th percentile), tornado (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 84th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Copper River Census Area households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Earthquake, which ranks at the 78th percentile nationally, is a secondary concern for Copper River Census Area that becomes most relevant in months outside the fire season. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Copper River Census Area residents.
Regional Context
Copper River Census Area tracks the Alaska county average closely, sitting 4.7 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Alaska.
Is your household prepared for Copper River 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 Copper River Census Area, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Copper River Census Area?
How does Copper River Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Copper River Census Area at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Copper River 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.