Los Alamos County Disaster Risk
Los Alamos County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% 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 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Los Alamos County ranks very low for risk
With a composite risk score of just 3.59, Los Alamos County is rated very low and sits dramatically below New Mexico's state average of 58.92. The county's minimal disaster exposure positions it among the safest areas in the state.
Among New Mexico's lowest-risk counties
Los Alamos County ranks near the bottom of New Mexico's disaster vulnerability list, with a score reflecting exceptional safety across most hazard categories. Only Harding County (0.38) has lower overall composite risk statewide.
Much safer than surrounding regions
Los Alamos County's 3.59 score is a fraction of eastern counties' exposure, and significantly lower than northern New Mexico's moderate-risk areas. This geographic position in the state's north-central region provides natural protection from major hazard corridors.
Wildfire the only notable concern
Wildfire risk scores 83.40 in Los Alamos County—the only hazard of material concern—reflecting the county's elevation and vegetation. Earthquake risk (50.25) is moderate, while flood (11.10), tornado (3.79), and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Standard insurance with wildfire coverage
A standard homeowners policy with wildfire endorsement adequately protects Los Alamos County residents, given the county's overall safety profile. Prioritize defensible space maintenance around your property, and consider flood insurance only if your home sits in a mapped waterway zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Los Alamos County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Los Alamos County
Risk Verdict
Los Alamos County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 4th percentile nationally. Los Alamos County's 4th percentile composite score is a useful benchmark; the specific hazard percentiles above provide the detail needed to direct preparedness effort toward the right areas.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Los Alamos County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Los Alamos County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Los Alamos County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Earthquake risk at the 50th percentile nationally is the second hazard driver for Los Alamos County, adding post-fire debris-flow and flood considerations to annual preparedness planning. For Los Alamos County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The New Mexico county average exceeds Los Alamos County's score by 55.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Los Alamos County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Los Alamos County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Los Alamos County?
How does Los Alamos County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Los Alamos County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Los Alamos 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.