Denali Borough Disaster Risk
Denali Borough, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
1th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% 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 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Denali Borough, Alaska
Low risk despite highest wildfire exposure
Denali Borough's 28.31 composite score is well below the national average despite the state's highest wildfire risk (84.76). Minimal earthquake exposure (78.91) actually helps offset the extreme fire threat, resulting in a Very Low overall rating.
Among safest despite extreme fire risk
Denali Borough ranks among Alaska's 29 counties with just 28.31—below the state average of 35.22. This safety ranking is remarkable given the borough's unmatched wildfire exposure, reflecting the absence of other significant hazards.
Wildfire danger stands above all peers
Denali Borough's wildfire risk of 84.76 is Alaska's highest, exceeding even Bethel Census Area (83.84) and Copper River Census Area (83.65). This exceptional fire exposure is the region's defining hazard despite the borough's otherwise low composite score.
Wildfire overwhelmingly dominates hazards
Wildfire risk scores a near-perfect 84.76—the state's highest—making fire the absolute priority for Denali residents. Earthquake (78.91) poses a secondary seismic threat, while flood (1.46) and tornado (0.32) risks remain negligible.
Wildfire preparation is non-negotiable
With Alaska's highest wildfire risk at 84.76, aggressively create defensible space, use fire-resistant materials, and clear all vegetation from your roof and gutters. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire, but earthquake coverage is also essential given the secondary seismic threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Denali Borough
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Denali Borough
Risk Verdict
Denali Borough's overall natural disaster score at the 28th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Denali Borough's 28th percentile composite score is a useful benchmark; the specific hazard percentiles above provide the detail needed to direct preparedness effort toward the right areas.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Denali Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (1th percentile), tornado (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 85th percentile nationally, Denali Borough is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Denali Borough households to have on hand before fire season. Denali Borough's secondary hazard, earthquake at the 79th percentile nationally, indicates that post-fire landscape changes can elevate flood risk in watersheds — a compounding factor residents in burned areas should monitor. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Denali Borough households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Denali Borough residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Denali Borough's composite risk score sits 6.9 points below the Alaska county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Denali Borough's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Denali Borough, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Denali Borough?
How does Denali Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Denali Borough at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Denali 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.