Fairbanks North Star Borough Disaster Risk
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% 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 High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
Fairbanks faces above-average U.S. disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 88.52, Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks as Relatively Moderate—significantly higher than Alaska's state average of 35.22. This interior borough is among the riskier counties in the nation, driven primarily by wildfire and earthquake hazards.
Alaska's second-riskiest county overall
Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks as one of Alaska's highest-risk regions, with only Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03) exceeding its composite score. The borough's location in Alaska's interior boreal forest makes it particularly vulnerable to multiple hazard types.
Far riskier than Southeast Alaska counterparts
Fairbanks' 88.52 score dwarfs Southeast Alaska counties like Juneau (11.51) and Ketchikan Gateway (1.69), but runs closer to Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03), another high-risk interior region. The difference reflects interior Alaska's wildfire exposure and seismic activity.
Extreme wildfire and earthquake threats define the borough
Wildfire risk reaches an alarming 97.61, nearly maximal, while earthquake risk hits 97.58—together these hazards account for most of Fairbanks' elevated risk profile. Flood risk (45.67) poses a secondary but still significant concern during spring snowmelt and heavy rains.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage are non-negotiable
Add earthquake and wildfire insurance to your homeowners policy immediately—standard coverage excludes both. Create a defensible space of 30+ feet around your home, clear gutters regularly, and ensure your roof uses fire-resistant materials.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fairbanks North Star Borough
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fairbanks North Star Borough
Risk Verdict
At the 89th percentile nationally, Fairbanks North Star Borough sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Fairbanks North Star Borough residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Fairbanks North Star Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (46th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fairbanks North Star Borough sits at the 98th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Fairbanks North Star Borough's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Earthquake, which ranks at the 98th percentile nationally, is a secondary concern for Fairbanks North Star Borough that becomes most relevant in months outside the fire season. In Fairbanks North Star Borough, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Alaska county average is 53.3 composite points below Fairbanks North Star Borough's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Fairbanks North Star Borough's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Fairbanks North Star Borough?
How does Fairbanks North Star Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Fairbanks North Star Borough at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fairbanks North Star Borough 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.