riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Dillingham Census Area Disaster Risk

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

36th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#13

of 30 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

3th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% 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 75% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska

Dillingham's disaster risk: Below average nationally

Dillingham Census Area scores 35.69 on the composite risk scale, ranking it as Very Low and nearly identical to Alaska's state average of 35.22. This puts the county well below the national average, meaning residents face fewer natural hazards than most U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Alaska

Among Alaska's counties, Dillingham ranks in the middle range for overall disaster risk, with a score just above the state average. The county sits between lower-risk Southeast Alaska communities and higher-risk interior regions.

Safer than interior peers, similar to coastal areas

Dillingham's risk profile is comparable to other Southwest Alaska communities and significantly lower than Fairbanks North Star Borough (88.52) and Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03). Like coastal neighbors Hoonah-Angoon (14.31), Dillingham benefits from its geographic isolation.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk dominates at 75.00, reflecting Alaska's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, while wildfire risk reaches 62.15—the county's second major concern during summer months. Flood risk (3.09) and tornado risk (0.64) remain minimal threats.

Earthquake and fire insurance are essential here

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or wildfire damage—you'll need separate policies for these hazards. Consider earthquake coverage given the 75.00 risk score and wildfire mitigation around your property, especially if you're in a forest-adjacent area.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dillingham Census Area

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    75th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    62th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    3th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Dillingham Census Area

Risk Verdict

Dillingham Census Area carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 36th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Dillingham Census Area's lower-than-average risk profile at the 36th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Dillingham Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Dillingham Census Area's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 75th 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. Dillingham Census Area's secondary wildfire exposure at the 62th percentile nationally means households should maintain a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing exclusively on earthquake readiness. After a major earthquake, Dillingham 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

At 0.5 points from the Alaska county mean, Dillingham Census Area's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.

Is your household prepared for Dillingham Census Area's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Dillingham Census Area?
Dillingham Census Area is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (75th percentile), wildfire (62th percentile), flooding (3th percentile), tornado (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 75th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Dillingham Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Dillingham Census Area's composite risk percentile is 36th, compared to the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Dillingham Census Area faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alaska.
Is Dillingham Census Area at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Dillingham Census Area's earthquake risk is at the 75th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Dillingham Census Area is at the 3th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Dillingham Census Area higher risk than average?
Dillingham Census Area's composite risk score of 36th percentile is above the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (75th percentile), along with wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.