La Paz County Disaster Risk
La Paz County, Arizona
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 15 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in La Paz County, Arizona
La Paz County faces moderate risks
La Paz County scores 83.52 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category and nearly at Arizona's state average of 84.45. The southwestern county contends with multiple overlapping hazards that demand preparation.
Close to Arizona's average risk
La Paz County tracks nearly at the Arizona state average, positioned in the moderate-risk tier. Its 83.52 score reflects a balanced mix of flood, earthquake, and wildfire exposure typical of western Arizona.
Moderate risk within the region
La Paz County's 83.52 score is notably higher than Greenlee County (12.37) to the east but comparable to Maricopa County (99.87) in overall magnitude. Its western position exposes it to different hazard patterns than the state's mountainous regions.
Flood and earthquake are top concerns
La Paz County faces high flood risk (91.48) and significant earthquake exposure (79.04), making these the primary hazards. Wildfire risk (70.17) is notably lower than in Arizona's mountain counties but still warrants attention.
Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage
La Paz County residents should secure flood insurance given the 91.48 risk score, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas. Earthquake insurance is also recommended to protect against the county's 79.04 seismic exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in La Paz County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: La Paz County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 84th percentile, La Paz County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; La Paz County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is La Paz County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (70th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 91th percentile nationally, La Paz County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. La Paz County's secondary hazard, earthquake at the 79th percentile nationally, indicates that compounding hazard types require layered preparation strategies, not single-peril planning. Registering for La Paz County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
La Paz County tracks the Arizona county average closely, sitting 0.9 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Arizona.
Is your household prepared for La Paz County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in La Paz County, AZ?
What types of natural hazards affect La Paz County?
How does La Paz County risk compare to the Arizona average?
Is La Paz County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is La Paz 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.