McKinley County Disaster Risk
McKinley County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% 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 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McKinley County, New Mexico
McKinley County faces above-average risk
McKinley County scores 78.24 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding and wildfire.
Among New Mexico's higher-risk counties
McKinley County ranks above the state average of 58.92 with a composite score of 78.24, placing it in the upper tier of risk-exposed counties. This positioning reflects substantial multi-hazard vulnerability compared to other New Mexico communities.
Riskier than many nearby counties
McKinley County's 78.24 score exceeds those of Luna and Quay counties to the east. The county faces notably higher flood and earthquake risks than several neighboring communities, making it one of the region's more hazard-exposed areas.
Flooding and wildfire dominate McKinley
Flood risk reaches 86.80, making it McKinley County's top hazard and a serious concern for residents in vulnerable zones. Wildfire risk at 78.69 compounds the threat, while earthquake risk at 77.58 rounds out the county's significant multi-hazard exposure.
Flood and wildfire insurance essential
McKinley County residents in flood-prone areas should carry flood insurance, which standard homeowners policies do not cover. Wildfire coverage is equally critical—ensure your policy explicitly includes protection against wildfire damage and consider defensible space maintenance around your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McKinley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McKinley County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in McKinley County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 78th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is McKinley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (78th percentile), tornado (4th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is McKinley County's top hazard at the 87th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 79th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across McKinley County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
McKinley County is 19.3 composite risk points above the New Mexico average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for McKinley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McKinley County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect McKinley County?
How does McKinley County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is McKinley County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McKinley 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.