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

Juneau City and Borough Disaster Risk

Juneau City and Borough, Alaska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

12th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#22

of 30 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

38th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% 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 81% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Juneau City and Borough, Alaska

Juneau enjoys very low national disaster risk

At 11.51, Juneau's composite risk score is Very Low and substantially below Alaska's state average of 35.22. This Southeast Alaska capital ranks among America's safest cities and boroughs from natural hazards.

Among Alaska's three safest counties

Juneau ranks in Alaska's lowest-risk tier, surpassed only by Ketchikan Gateway (1.69) and nearly matched by Haines (4.29). The borough's Southeast Alaska location provides significant natural protection.

Part of Alaska's safest Southeast cluster

Juneau (11.51) sits within Southeast Alaska's remarkably safe zone, alongside Ketchikan (1.69), Haines (4.29), and Hoonah-Angoon (14.31). All four communities dramatically outperform interior Alaska counties in disaster safety.

Earthquakes and flooding are secondary concerns

Earthquake risk (80.53) leads Juneau's hazard profile, though still relatively low compared to statewide risks, while flood risk (38.00) reflects tidal and precipitation patterns. Wildfire (19.53), tornado (0.57), and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Earthquake coverage is sensible; standard policy suffices otherwise

Add earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy to cover the 80.53 risk factor. Your standard policy should handle most other perils given Juneau's very low overall risk profile.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Juneau City and Borough

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    81th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    38th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    20th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Juneau City and Borough

Risk Verdict

Juneau City and Borough's overall natural disaster score at the 12th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Juneau City and Borough's lower-than-average risk profile at the 12th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Juneau City and Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (20th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake exposure at the 81th percentile nationally puts Juneau City and Borough in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Juneau City and Borough's secondary hazard, flood at the 38th percentile nationally, requires different alert monitoring and response than earthquake — households benefit from understanding the distinct early-warning systems for each. Juneau City and Borough households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.

Regional Context

Juneau City and Borough's composite risk score sits 23.7 points below the Alaska county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Juneau City and Borough'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 Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 12th 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 Juneau City and Borough?
Juneau City and Borough is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (81th percentile), flooding (38th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile), tornado (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 81th 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 Juneau City and Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Juneau City and Borough's composite risk percentile is 12th, compared to the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Juneau City and Borough faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alaska.
Is Juneau City and Borough at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Juneau City and Borough's earthquake risk is at the 81th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Juneau City and Borough is at the 38th 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.
Is Juneau City and Borough a safe place to live?
Juneau City and Borough's composite risk score of 12th percentile is below the Alaska state average of 35th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 81th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.