Kodiak Island Borough Disaster Risk
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
4th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% 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 High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
Kodiak faces moderate U.S. disaster risk levels
With a composite risk score of 65.14, Kodiak Island Borough ranks as Relatively Low and moderately exceeds Alaska's state average of 35.22. This south-central island region experiences higher natural hazard exposure than most of the nation, but less than Alaska's highest-risk areas.
Mid-range risk profile within Alaska
Kodiak Island Borough ranks in Alaska's middle tier—safer than interior and peninsula powerhouses Fairbanks (88.52) and Kenai Peninsula (93.03), but riskier than Southeast Alaska communities. The 65.14 score reflects the island's geographic and seismic exposure.
Riskier than Southeast, safer than Kenai Peninsula
Kodiak (65.14) sits comfortably between Southeast Alaska's safe counties (1.69–14.31) and the high-risk interior and peninsula (88–93). The island's position and geology create moderate hazard exposure.
Earthquakes dominate; wildfires secondary concern
Earthquake risk peaks at 94.72, making seismic activity a dominant threat on Kodiak Island. Wildfire risk (23.22) poses a secondary concern, while flood (4.42) and tornado risks (0.48) remain minimal.
Earthquake insurance essential; wildfire awareness helpful
Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable given the 94.72 risk score—add it to your homeowners policy today. Keep your property cleared of vegetation and ensure roof and siding materials are fire-resistant to mitigate wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kodiak Island Borough
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kodiak Island Borough
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 65th, Kodiak Island Borough faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Kodiak Island Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 23th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (4th percentile), tornado (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Kodiak Island Borough households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Wildfire, at the 23th percentile nationally in Kodiak Island Borough, adds a weather-dependent hazard layer to what is otherwise a seismic-dominated risk profile. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Kodiak Island Borough: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 29.9 points above the Alaska state average, Kodiak Island Borough carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Alaska county.
Is your household prepared for Kodiak Island Borough's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Kodiak Island Borough?
How does Kodiak Island Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Kodiak Island Borough at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kodiak Island 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.