Luna County Disaster Risk
Luna County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% 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 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Luna County, New Mexico
Luna County's risk: Below average nationally
Luna County scores 51.59 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category and well below the national average. This modest risk profile reflects a community less exposed to multiple hazards simultaneously compared to the typical U.S. county.
Middle of the pack in New Mexico
Luna County ranks in the middle tier statewide with a composite score of 51.59, compared to New Mexico's average of 58.92. The county's risk profile sits below the state median, making it one of the safer counties in the region.
Less risky than surrounding counties
Luna County's 51.59 score is lower than neighboring Hidalgo County and other southwestern counties. Among nearby communities, Luna faces relatively modest multi-hazard exposure, though wildfire remains a shared concern across the region.
Wildfire and earthquakes top the list
Wildfire risk dominates at 82.12, making it Luna County's primary natural hazard concern and a significant threat to residents and property. Earthquake risk ranks second at 54.04, though flood risk at 57.54 also merits attention given the county's arid southwestern landscape.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Luna County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage, as blazes pose the greatest threat to structures and livelihoods. Consider earthquake insurance as well, especially if your home is older or not recently retrofitted for seismic safety.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Luna County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Luna County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 52th, Luna County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Luna County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Luna County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's flood exposure at the 58th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Luna County residents.
Regional Context
Luna County falls 7.3 points below New Mexico's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Luna County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Luna County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Luna County?
How does Luna County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Luna County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Luna 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.