Nome Census Area Disaster Risk
Nome Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% 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 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nome Census Area, Alaska
Nome's risk slightly below national average
Nome Census Area scores 34.06 on the composite risk scale, just under the national average and earning a Very Low rating. The county's remote location and sparse development mitigate disaster exposure despite Alaska's active natural hazards.
Middle-of-pack risk for Alaska
Nome ranks near the median among Alaska counties with a 34.06 score, marginally below the state average of 35.22. The census area represents a typical risk profile for rural Alaskan communities.
Less risky than some, similar to others
Nome's 34.06 score trails Kusilvak Census Area (57.92) but exceeds North Slope Borough (14.76) and Northwest Arctic Borough's neighbors. The county sits squarely in Alaska's moderate-risk midrange.
Earthquake and wildfire share top billing
Earthquake risk scores 73.54 in Nome, the area's dominant hazard, while wildfire risk reaches 45.17. Flood risk remains minimal at 5.73, reflecting the region's coastal drainage patterns.
Earthquake insurance paired with wildfire prep
Nome residents should prioritize earthquake coverage given significant seismic exposure in western Alaska. Wildfire insurance and community preparedness plans provide secondary protection for a balanced risk mitigation strategy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nome Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nome Census Area
Risk Verdict
Nome Census Area's overall natural disaster score at the 34th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. No county at the 34th percentile is entirely free of natural hazard exposure; Nome Census Area residents benefit from staying alert to local conditions and signing up for county emergency alerts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Nome Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (6th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 74th percentile nationally puts Nome Census Area 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. Wildfire, at the 45th percentile nationally in Nome Census Area, adds a weather-dependent hazard layer to what is otherwise a seismic-dominated risk profile. Nome Census Area 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
Nome Census Area's risk score is broadly comparable to the Alaska county average, with a 1.2-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Nome 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 Nome Census Area, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Nome Census Area?
How does Nome Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Nome Census Area at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nome Census Area a safe place to live?
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.