Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Nevada
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 17 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Nevada
Lincoln County ranks very low nationally
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 25.92 places it well below the national average, indicating limited exposure to the natural disasters that threaten most U.S. counties. This favorable position reflects the county's remote location and sparse development patterns.
Second-lowest risk in Nevada
At 25.92, Lincoln County's composite risk score is significantly lower than Nevada's state average of 46.25, ranking it among the safest counties in the state. Only Pershing County and Lander County face comparably low disaster risk.
Safer than nearby Nye and Lyon counties
Lincoln County's 25.92 score beats both Nye County (78.34) and Lyon County (71.41), though it trails behind Lander County (16.98) in the regional ranking. All four counties share elevated wildfire concerns due to Nevada's climate and terrain.
Earthquakes and wildfires dominate hazards
Lincoln County faces its highest risks from earthquakes (80.25) and wildfires (91.60), both prevalent across rural Nevada. Flood risk registers at 38.96, higher than neighboring Lander County, while tornados remain minimal at 1.11.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
With wildfire risk at 91.60 and earthquake risk at 80.25, homeowners should ensure comprehensive wildfire insurance and consider earthquake coverage. Defensible space around structures is critical given the substantial wildfire exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Lincoln County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 26th percentile. At the 26th percentile, Lincoln County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for wildfire, Lincoln County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's earthquake exposure at the 80th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Lincoln County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Lincoln County is 20.3 composite risk points below the Nevada state mean, meaning most other Nevada counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, NV?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Nevada average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lincoln 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.