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

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Disaster Risk

Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

93th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 30 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

51th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 51% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% 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 99% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

Matanuska-Susitna faces high national risk

Matanuska-Susitna Borough scores 93.26 on the composite risk scale, the highest in Alaska and substantially above the national average. This Relatively Moderate rating reflects the borough's exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards, particularly earthquakes and wildfires.

Alaska's riskiest county by far

Matanuska-Susitna ranks highest among all Alaska counties with a composite score of 93.26, nearly triple the state average of 35.22. The borough's geographic position and climate create a unique convergence of natural disaster risks.

Vastly outpaced surrounding communities

Matanuska-Susitna's 93.26 score dwarfs nearby areas like Kusilvak Census Area (57.92) and Petersburg Borough (15.43). The borough's elevated risk profile stands isolated among Alaska's regional peers.

Earthquake and wildfire triple threat

Earthquake risk reaches 98.89 in Matanuska-Susitna, the highest seismic hazard in Alaska, while wildfire risk scores 94.66. Together, these hazards account for the borough's exceptional overall risk, with flood risk adding another significant component at 51.30.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Matanuska-Susitna residents must secure earthquake insurance—the most critical protection given the borough's extreme seismic exposure. Wildfire coverage and flood insurance round out essential protection in Alaska's most hazard-prone county.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    95th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    51th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Risk Verdict

Matanuska-Susitna Borough faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Matanuska-Susitna Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Matanuska-Susitna Borough's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Matanuska-Susitna Borough's secondary hazard, wildfire at the 95th percentile nationally, requires different alert monitoring and response than earthquake — households benefit from understanding the distinct early-warning systems for each. Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Matanuska-Susitna Borough's composite risk score sits 58.0 points above the Alaska county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Matanuska-Susitna 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 93th 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (99th percentile), wildfire (95th percentile), flooding (51th percentile), tornado (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 99th 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's composite risk percentile is 93th, compared to the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Matanuska-Susitna Borough faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alaska.
Is Matanuska-Susitna Borough at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Matanuska-Susitna Borough's earthquake risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Matanuska-Susitna Borough is at the 51th 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough higher risk than average?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's composite risk score of 93th percentile is above the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (99th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Kenai Peninsula Borough

Alaska

-0.2

Relatively Moderate

93th percentile

Anchorage Municipality

Alaska

+4.1

Relatively High

97th percentile

Fairbanks North Star Borough

Alaska

-4.7

Relatively Moderate

89th percentile

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.

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