Greenlee County Disaster Risk
Greenlee County, Arizona
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 15 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Greenlee County, Arizona
Greenlee County has minimal risk
Greenlee County scores just 12.37 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it far below Arizona's state average of 84.45. The northeastern county is among the safest areas in the nation for natural disasters.
Safest county in Arizona
Greenlee County ranks as Arizona's lowest-risk county by a significant margin, with a composite score less than one-sixth of the state average. This exceptional safety makes it unique among Arizona's natural hazard exposure profile.
Dramatically safer than all neighbors
Greenlee County's 12.37 score is dramatically lower than Apache County (78.78) to the west and Graham County (64.60) to the south. Its minimal exposure stands out starkly against the higher-risk counties surrounding it.
Wildfire is the only notable concern
Greenlee County's sole significant hazard is wildfire risk at 82.51, stemming from the county's forested areas. All other natural disasters—flood, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane—score well below regional and national averages.
Wildfire coverage for peace of mind
Even in Greenlee County's low-risk environment, wildfire insurance remains worthwhile given the 82.51 risk score. Standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire, so supplemental coverage ensures full protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Greenlee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Greenlee County
Risk Verdict
Greenlee County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 12th percentile nationally. The 12th percentile national ranking is one lens; Greenlee County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Greenlee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), hurricane (7th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Greenlee County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Greenlee County 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. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 30th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Greenlee County 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
The Arizona county average exceeds Greenlee County's score by 72.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Greenlee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Greenlee County, AZ?
What types of natural hazards affect Greenlee County?
How does Greenlee County risk compare to the Arizona average?
Is Greenlee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Greenlee 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.