Guadalupe County Disaster Risk
Guadalupe County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Guadalupe County, New Mexico
Guadalupe County faces minimal disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 8.81, Guadalupe County ranks very low and falls far below New Mexico's state average of 58.92. This low risk profile makes Guadalupe one of the safest counties in the state for natural hazard exposure.
Among the lowest-risk counties statewide
Guadalupe County ranks among New Mexico's safest areas for natural disasters, with a score that places it well below most state counties. Only a handful of counties share Guadalupe's very low composite risk designation.
Significantly safer than eastern neighbors
Guadalupe County's risk score of 8.81 is a fraction of neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01) counties to the east. This stark difference reflects Guadalupe's geographic separation from the flood and wildfire corridors that threaten southeastern New Mexico.
Wildfire the only notable exposure
Wildfire is Guadalupe's most significant hazard with a risk score of 81.49, though the county's overall hazard exposure remains manageable. Flood risk (29.87) and earthquake risk (16.63) are low, and tornado and hurricane risks are minimal.
Standard coverage meets most needs
A standard homeowners insurance policy with wildfire coverage should adequately protect Guadalupe County residents from typical hazards. Consider a supplemental wildfire endorsement if your home is near vegetation, but flood insurance is generally unnecessary unless you live near mapped waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Guadalupe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Guadalupe County
Risk Verdict
Guadalupe County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 9th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Guadalupe County's 9th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Guadalupe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Guadalupe County's primary hazard at the 81th percentile nationally. For Guadalupe County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 30th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Guadalupe County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the New Mexico county average, Guadalupe County's composite score runs 50.1 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Guadalupe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Guadalupe County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Guadalupe County?
How does Guadalupe County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Guadalupe County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Guadalupe 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.