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

Wrangell City and Borough Disaster Risk

Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

0th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#30

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

Very Low

Higher than 2% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska

Wrangell ranks among America's safest communities

Wrangell's composite risk score of 0.06 represents one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the entire United States. This exceptional rating means residents face minimal exposure to the major hazards that threaten most American communities.

Alaska's safest borough by a wide margin

At 0.06, Wrangell claims the lowest composite risk score in Alaska, substantially below the state average of 35.22. The borough's geographic isolation and maritime position create an unusually benign natural hazard environment.

Wrangell leads Southeast Alaska in disaster safety

Wrangell's 0.06 score edges out even Skagway (0.48) and dramatically undercuts Sitka (23.82), establishing it as Southeast Alaska's safest community. The pattern reflects the protective benefits of small, isolated coastal settlements.

Earthquake is the only meaningful hazard

Even Wrangell's largest risk—earthquake at 13.01—ranks as quite modest nationally, reflecting moderate seismic activity relative to other Ring of Fire communities. Flood (0.41), wildfire (1.53), and tornado (0.13) risks are negligible.

Basic earthquake coverage provides essential protection

While Wrangell's overall risk is minimal, earthquake insurance remains the prudent choice given its position in a seismically active region. Standard homeowners coverage will not protect against earthquake damage, making this the single most important policy addition.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Wrangell City and Borough

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    13th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    2th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    0th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Wrangell City and Borough

Risk Verdict

Wrangell City and Borough's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 0th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Wrangell City and Borough's favorable 0th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Wrangell City and Borough's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 13th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 2th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (0th percentile), tornado (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Wrangell City and Borough's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 13th 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 2th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Wrangell City and 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

The Alaska county average exceeds Wrangell City and Borough's score by 35.2 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Wrangell City and 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 Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 0th 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 Wrangell City and Borough?
Wrangell City and Borough is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (13th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile), flooding (0th percentile), tornado (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 13th 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 Wrangell City and Borough risk compare to the Alaska average?
Wrangell City and Borough's composite risk percentile is 0th, compared to the Alaska state average of 35th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Wrangell City and Borough faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alaska.
Is Wrangell City and Borough at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Wrangell City and Borough's earthquake risk is at the 13th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Wrangell City and Borough is at the 0th 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 Wrangell City and Borough a safe place to live?
Wrangell City and Borough's composite risk score of 0th 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 13th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Skagway Municipality

Alaska

+0.4

Very Low

0th percentile

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

Alaska

+0.9

Very Low

1th percentile

Bristol Bay Borough

Alaska

+1.1

Very Low

1th 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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