Kusilvak Census Area Disaster Risk
Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
0th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska
Kusilvak's risk: above average nationally
Kusilvak Census Area scores 57.92 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and exceeding the national average. This places the county in a moderate risk category for natural disasters, driven primarily by wildfire and earthquake hazards.
Second-highest risk in Alaska
Among Alaska's counties, Kusilvak ranks second-highest with a composite risk score of 57.92, well above the state average of 35.22. Only Matanuska-Susitna Borough faces greater overall disaster risk in the state.
Riskier than most regional peers
Kusilvak's 57.92 score significantly exceeds nearby communities like Nome Census Area (34.06) and Northwest Arctic Borough (54.58). The county stands out for concentrated wildfire risk that distinguishes it from its neighbors.
Wildfires and earthquakes dominate
Wildfire risk reaches 46.91 in Kusilvak, making it the county's primary hazard concern and a significant driver of overall risk. Earthquake risk scores 24.59, presenting a secondary but notable seismic threat to infrastructure and residents.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Given Kusilvak's elevated wildfire exposure, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for structure damage and evacuation expenses. Earthquake insurance provides critical protection in a region where seismic activity poses measurable risk to buildings and utilities.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kusilvak Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kusilvak Census Area
Risk Verdict
Kusilvak Census Area ranks at the 58th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Kusilvak Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (1th percentile), flood (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Kusilvak Census Area's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 47th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Kusilvak Census Area and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Kusilvak Census Area's secondary hazard, earthquake at the 25th percentile nationally, indicates that post-fire landscape changes can elevate flood risk in watersheds — a compounding factor residents in burned areas should monitor. Kusilvak Census Area's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Alaska counties, Kusilvak Census Area runs 22.7 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Kusilvak Census Area's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kusilvak Census Area, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Kusilvak Census Area?
How does Kusilvak Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Kusilvak Census Area at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kusilvak Census Area 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.