Cibola County Disaster Risk
Cibola County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% 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 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cibola County, New Mexico
Cibola sits near the national average
With a composite risk score of 58.37, Cibola County nearly matches New Mexico's state average (58.92) and falls into the relatively low risk category. This west-central county experiences moderate hazard exposure that requires attention but remains more resilient than several neighboring areas.
Middle-of-the-road for state risk
Cibola ranks mid-range among New Mexico counties for disaster risk, neither among the highest nor lowest. Its score reflects a balanced hazard portfolio typical of central New Mexico's transitional geography.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Cibola's 58.37 score aligns closely with Colfax County (58.49), making them risk peers in the state's moderate tier. Both exceed De Baca County's minimal risk but fall well below Bernalillo and Doña Ana.
Earthquakes and wildfires lead threats
Wildfire risk (83.11) tops Cibola's hazard list, while earthquake risk (70.74) creates a secondary but significant threat from the state's fault systems. Flood risk (73.44) completes the trio, with tornado risk (9.03) remaining minimal.
Earthquake and wildfire readiness key
Bundle earthquake insurance with your policy—Cibola's 70.74 earthquake score demands this protection. Also ensure wildfire coverage is adequate and maintain defensible space around your home as a first line of defense.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cibola County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cibola County
Risk Verdict
Cibola County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 58th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Cibola County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cibola County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (71th percentile), tornado (9th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 83th percentile nationally for wildfire, Cibola 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. Flood, which ranks at the 73th percentile nationally, is a secondary concern for Cibola County that becomes most relevant in months outside the fire season. 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 Cibola County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Cibola County's composite risk score is within 0.6 points of the New Mexico county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Cibola County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cibola County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Cibola County?
How does Cibola County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Cibola County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cibola 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.