Hidalgo County Disaster Risk
Hidalgo County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% 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 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hidalgo County, New Mexico
Hidalgo County ranks very low for risk
With a composite risk score of 8.94, Hidalgo County is rated very low and sits far beneath New Mexico's state average of 58.92. The county's minimal disaster exposure makes it one of the safer areas in the state for natural hazard concerns.
Among New Mexico's safest counties
Hidalgo County ranks among the lowest-risk areas statewide, with a score placing it well below most New Mexico counties for disaster vulnerability. Only a handful of counties match Hidalgo's protected status from major hazards.
Much safer than eastern neighbors
Hidalgo County's 8.94 score dwarfs those of neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01) counties to the east. This dramatic difference reflects Hidalgo's geographic distance from southeastern New Mexico's flood and fire corridors.
Wildfire poses manageable threat
Wildfire is Hidalgo's primary concern with a risk score of 83.02, reflecting the county's southwestern location and vegetation exposure. Earthquake risk (33.11) is moderate, while flood (14.92), tornado (2.42), and hurricane (7.13) risks remain quite low.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Purchase homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing brush and trimming trees. Flood and earthquake insurance are optional unless you live near mapped waterways or unstable terrain, given Hidalgo's overall safety profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hidalgo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hidalgo County
Risk Verdict
At the 9th percentile nationally, Hidalgo County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Residents of Hidalgo County can use the 9th 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 Hidalgo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (15th percentile), hurricane (7th percentile), tornado (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hidalgo County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Hidalgo County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's earthquake exposure at the 33th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Hidalgo 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 50.0 points below the New Mexico state average puts Hidalgo County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Hidalgo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hidalgo County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Hidalgo County?
How does Hidalgo County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Hidalgo County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hidalgo 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.