Otero County Disaster Risk
Otero County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Otero County, New Mexico
Otero County faces significant risk nationally
Otero County scores 84.70 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure to multiple serious natural hazards across the region.
Among New Mexico's highest-risk counties
Otero County ranks near the top of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with a 84.70 score, far exceeding the state average of 58.92. The county stands as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities.
Riskier than all adjacent counties
Otero County's 84.70 score significantly exceeds neighboring Luna and Doña Ana counties' risk profiles. The county faces the highest wildfire risk in the immediate region and represents one of southern New Mexico's most hazard-vulnerable areas.
Wildfire, flood, and earthquake threats
Wildfire risk peaks at 98.16, making Otero County one of New Mexico's most fire-prone areas with severe threats to homes and ecosystems. Flood risk at 88.61 and earthquake risk at 55.73 compound the county's multi-hazard vulnerability.
Multiple insurance coverages are vital
Otero County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space aggressively. Flood insurance is also essential for properties in vulnerable zones, and earthquake coverage should be evaluated based on your home's age and structural condition.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Otero County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Otero County
Risk Verdict
Otero County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Otero County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (56th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Otero County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 98th percentile nationally. Otero 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. The county's flood exposure at the 89th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Otero 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
Otero County's composite risk score sits 25.8 points above the New Mexico county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Otero County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Otero County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Otero County?
How does Otero County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Otero County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Otero 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.