Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, New Mexico
Lincoln County faces elevated disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 79.48, Lincoln County ranks as relatively low but still exceeds New Mexico's state average of 58.92. The county's above-average exposure, particularly to wildfire and flooding, warrants serious preparedness attention.
Third-riskiest county in the state
Lincoln County ranks in the upper tier of New Mexico counties by disaster vulnerability, surpassed only by Lea (86.01) and Eddy (83.65). This ranking reflects the county's significant exposure to water and fire hazards.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Lincoln County's 79.48 score falls between neighboring Eddy (83.65) and Grant (74.14), placing it firmly in the regional high-risk corridor. This geographic position in south-central New Mexico concentrates hazard exposure from multiple directions.
Wildfire and flooding lead threats
Wildfire risk reaches 98.76—the highest in the state—while flood risk scores 77.61, making these the dominant concerns for Lincoln County residents. Tornado (10.34), earthquake (25.54), and hurricane (14.98) risks remain secondary but measurable.
Wildfire and flood insurance critical
Purchase homeowners insurance with robust wildfire coverage and acquire separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Implement defensible space measures immediately—trim trees, clear brush, and maintain gutters—as wildfire is Lincoln County's most pressing natural hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 79th percentile across all U.S. counties. Lincoln County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for wildfire, Lincoln 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. A secondary flood exposure at the 78th percentile nationally means Lincoln County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Lincoln County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 20.6 points above the New Mexico state average puts Lincoln County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.