Catron County Disaster Risk
Catron County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% 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 23% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Catron County, New Mexico
Catron has minimal disaster risk overall
At 36.64, Catron County's composite risk score falls well below both the New Mexico average (58.92) and the national median, earning a very low risk rating. This rural southwestern county benefits from low population density and favorable positioning relative to most major hazard zones.
Among New Mexico's safest counties
Catron ranks near the bottom statewide for composite disaster risk, making it one of New Mexico's lowest-risk communities. Only De Baca County scores lower, reflecting Catron's remote location and sparse development patterns.
Safer than similar southwestern counties
Catron's 36.64 score compares favorably to neighbors like Grant and Hidalgo counties, though it faces higher wildfire risk than some peers. The county's modest population and distance from urban centers keep overall disaster exposure minimal.
Wildfire dominates Catron's hazard profile
Wildfire risk reaches 96.34 in Catron—an extreme score that reflects the county's forest coverage and dry climate, despite low overall composite risk. Flood risk (41.13) and earthquake risk (22.90) remain manageable, while tornado and hurricane threats are negligible.
Prioritize wildfire protection measures
Focus your preparedness efforts on wildfire mitigation: clear defensible space, use fire-resistant roofing, and maintain evacuation readiness. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire, but verify your policy limits and review them annually as fire seasons intensify.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Catron County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Catron County
Risk Verdict
Catron County's overall natural disaster score at the 37th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Catron County can use the 37th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Catron County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), tornado (1th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 96th percentile nationally, Catron County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Catron County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary flood exposure at the 41th percentile nationally means Catron County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Catron County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Catron County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Catron County's composite risk score sits 22.3 points below the New Mexico county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Catron County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Catron County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Catron County?
How does Catron County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Catron County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Catron 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.