Southeast Fairbanks Census Area Disaster Risk
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 30 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska
Southeast Fairbanks faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 57.03 and a Relatively Low rating, Southeast Fairbanks exceeds the national average and ranks above most U.S. counties in natural disaster exposure. The region's risk profile reflects interior Alaska's susceptibility to wildfires and seismic activity.
Among Alaska's highest-risk census areas
Southeast Fairbanks scores 57.03 against Alaska's 35.22 state average, placing it in the upper tier of state risk. Only Yukon-Koyukuk (61.55) surpasses it, making this region one of Alaska's most hazard-exposed communities.
Wildfire risk sets Southeast Fairbanks apart
Southeast Fairbanks's 57.03 composite score exceeds coastal Sitka (23.82) and Skagway (0.48) by a wide margin, driven by interior location and boreal forest coverage. Only Yukon-Koyukuk (61.55) compares, as both regions share intense wildfire exposure.
Wildfires and earthquakes dominate the hazard mix
Wildfire risk explodes to 97.11—the highest in the state—reflecting Southeast Fairbanks's boreal forest geography and long fire season. Earthquake risk reaches 86.48, while flood (9.35) and tornado (0.76) risks remain secondary but notable threats.
Wildfire and earthquake preparedness are critical
Homeowners must ensure their standard policy includes wildfire coverage or purchase a separate rider given the 97.11 wildfire risk score. Earthquake insurance remains equally essential, and defensible space management around structures is a practical fire-prevention priority.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Risk Verdict
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Southeast Fairbanks Census Area's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Southeast Fairbanks Census Area's top-ranked natural hazard at the 97th percentile nationally. Southeast Fairbanks Census Area residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Earthquake, which ranks at the 86th percentile nationally, is a secondary concern for Southeast Fairbanks Census Area that becomes most relevant in months outside the fire season. For Southeast Fairbanks Census Area households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area's composite risk score sits 21.8 points above the Alaska county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Southeast Fairbanks 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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK?
What types of natural hazards affect Southeast Fairbanks Census Area?
How does Southeast Fairbanks Census Area risk compare to the Alaska average?
Is Southeast Fairbanks Census Area at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Southeast Fairbanks 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.