Grant County Disaster Risk
Grant County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grant County, New Mexico
Grant County sits at moderate risk level
Grant County's composite risk score of 74.14 places it in the relatively low category, meaningfully above the New Mexico state average of 58.92. The county's hazard profile is shaped primarily by wildfire exposure, which dominates its overall risk calculation.
Middle-of-pack risk among state counties
Grant County ranks in the middle range of New Mexico counties by disaster vulnerability, neither among the highest nor lowest risk areas. Its position reflects moderate hazard exposure compared to neighbors like Hidalgo and Eddy.
Riskier than western neighbors
Grant County's 74.14 score exceeds neighboring Hidalgo County (8.94) but lags eastern counties like Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01). The county's wildfire exposure (96.95) nearly matches Lincoln County's 98.76, making regional comparison essential for understanding local fire season preparedness.
Wildfire is the dominant threat
Wildfire risk reaches 96.95 in Grant County, among the highest in the state and a critical concern for residents and property owners. Flood risk is also notable at 83.68, while tornado (6.93), hurricane (7.93), and earthquake (50.45) risks remain secondary.
Prioritize wildfire and flood protection
Obtain homeowners insurance that includes wildfire coverage and consider additional endorsements for high-risk properties near vegetation zones. Also secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly if you live in mapped flood zones or areas prone to flash flooding.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grant County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grant County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Grant County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 74th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Grant County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Grant County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (50th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 97th percentile nationally, Grant 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 Grant County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's flood exposure at the 84th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Grant County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Grant County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Grant County is 15.2 composite risk points above the New Mexico average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Grant County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grant County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Grant County?
How does Grant County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Grant County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Grant County higher risk than average?
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.