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

North Slope Borough Disaster Risk

North Slope Borough, Alaska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

15th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#20

of 30 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

3th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% 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 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in North Slope Borough, Alaska

North Slope: exceptionally safe nationally

North Slope Borough scores just 14.76 on the composite risk scale, well below the national average and earning a Very Low rating. The borough's Arctic location and limited infrastructure exposure create Alaska's second-safest disaster profile.

Second-safest county in Alaska

North Slope Borough ranks second-lowest among Alaska counties with a composite score of 14.76, less than half the state average of 35.22. Only Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area offers greater protection from natural disasters.

Far safer than surrounding areas

North Slope's 14.76 score substantially trails Northwest Arctic Borough (54.58) and Nome Census Area (34.06). The borough's Arctic geography provides exceptional natural disaster resilience.

Earthquake dominates limited hazards

Earthquake risk of 50.19 is North Slope's primary concern, though wildfire and flood risks remain minimal at 11.39 and 2.61 respectively. The Arctic environment naturally suppresses most weather-related disaster types.

Earthquake coverage provides peace of mind

North Slope residents should obtain earthquake insurance as the region's only material disaster risk. Standard homeowner's coverage adequately protects against other hazards in this exceptionally low-risk borough.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in North Slope Borough

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    50th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    11th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    3th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: North Slope Borough

Risk Verdict

North Slope Borough sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 15th percentile nationally. A 15th percentile score positions North Slope Borough among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is North Slope Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 11th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 50th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, North Slope 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 11th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in North Slope 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

North Slope Borough falls 20.5 points below Alaska's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for North Slope 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 North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 15th 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 North Slope Borough?
North Slope Borough is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (50th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile), flooding (3th percentile), tornado (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 50th 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 North Slope Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
North Slope Borough's composite risk percentile is 15th, compared to the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means North Slope Borough faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alaska.
Is North Slope Borough at risk for earthquake?
Yes, North Slope Borough's earthquake risk is at the 50th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, North Slope Borough is at the 3th 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 North Slope Borough a safe place to live?
North Slope Borough's composite risk score of 15th 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 50th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

Alaska

-0.4

Very Low

14th percentile

Petersburg Borough

Alaska

+0.7

Very Low

15th percentile

Juneau City and Borough

Alaska

-3.2

Very Low

12th 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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