Apache County Disaster Risk
Apache County, Arizona
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 15 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Apache County, Arizona
Apache County's moderate risk profile
Apache County scores 78.78 on the composite risk scale, landing it in the "Relatively Low" category and below Arizona's state average of 84.45. While this puts the county in a better position than many peers nationally, natural hazards still warrant serious preparation and insurance consideration.
Safest counties in Arizona
Apache County ranks among Arizona's lower-risk counties, positioned well below the state's average exposure. This relatively favorable standing doesn't mean the county is risk-free—it simply means residents face fewer overlapping hazards than those in high-risk areas like Maricopa County.
Compared to neighboring counties
Apache County's 78.78 score is notably lower than Coconino County (94.21) to the west and significantly safer than Navajo County's typical exposure profile. Its risk profile makes it one of the more protected areas in Arizona's northern region.
Wildfire and flood dominate here
Apache County faces extreme wildfire risk (97.90) that rivals the state's most dangerous areas, driven by vast forests and seasonal drought conditions. Flood risk scores 80.73, making these two hazards the primary concerns for property owners and emergency planners.
Secure comprehensive wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage, making supplemental coverage essential in Apache County. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is also recommended given the county's elevated flood risk, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Apache County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Apache County
Risk Verdict
Apache County's FEMA risk score places it at the 79th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Apache County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Apache County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Apache County sits at the 98th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Apache County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary flood exposure at the 81th percentile nationally means Apache County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Apache County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 5.7 points below the Arizona state average, Apache County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Apache County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Apache County, AZ?
What types of natural hazards affect Apache County?
How does Apache County risk compare to the Arizona average?
Is Apache County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Apache County 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.