Pershing County Disaster Risk
Pershing County, Nevada
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 17 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% 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 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pershing County, Nevada
Pershing County ranks among America's safest
With a composite risk score of just 6.01, Pershing County stands in the very low risk category and well below national averages. This remote northern Nevada county enjoys exceptional protection from the major natural disasters affecting most U.S. communities.
Second-safest county in Nevada
Pershing County's 6.01 composite risk score ranks it second only to Mineral County (9.80) in Nevada safety, far below the state average of 46.25. Few Nevada counties match this exceptional disaster-resilience profile.
Safest in the northern region
Pershing County (6.01) outperforms all nearby counties, including Lander (16.98), Storey (25.16), and Washoe (96.69). Its exceptionally low score reflects both remote location and limited hazard exposure compared to regional peers.
Wildfires pose the primary concern
Pershing County's main natural disaster risk comes from wildfires at 87.31, reflecting the broader Nevada pattern of arid-climate vegetation hazards. Earthquake risk registers at 55.18, while floods (7.51) and tornados (1.18) remain minimal.
Prioritize wildfire preparations
Focus wildfire insurance and defensible-space investments on the 87.31 wildfire risk score, the county's dominant hazard. Basic earthquake awareness is prudent given the 55.18 score, but overall disaster coverage needs are light compared to statewide standards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pershing County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pershing County
Risk Verdict
At the 6th percentile nationally, Pershing County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 6th percentile nationally is an advantage for Pershing County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pershing County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (8th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pershing County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Pershing County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 55th percentile nationally means Pershing County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Pershing County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 40.2 points below the Nevada state average puts Pershing County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Pershing County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pershing County, NV?
What types of natural hazards affect Pershing County?
How does Pershing County risk compare to the Nevada average?
Is Pershing County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pershing 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.