Quay County Disaster Risk
Quay County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Quay County, New Mexico
Quay County: Lowest risk in New Mexico
Quay County scores 25.95 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average. This minimal risk profile reflects a community with limited exposure to the multi-hazard threats that challenge many U.S. counties.
New Mexico's safest county by far
Quay County's 25.95 score makes it the least hazard-exposed county in New Mexico, dramatically below the state average of 58.92. No other county in the state comes close to Quay's minimal composite risk ranking.
Significantly safer than surrounding counties
Quay County's 25.95 score is substantially lower than neighboring Roosevelt and Curry counties, making it one of the region's safest communities. Its risk profile stands in stark contrast to the higher-risk counties that surround it.
Wildfire and tornado are minor concerns
Wildfire risk at 85.72 is Quay County's highest hazard, though tornado risk at 13.26 represents a secondary concern typical of the plains region. Flood and earthquake risks remain minimal, contributing to the county's overall very low composite risk.
Standard homeowners insurance sufficient
Quay County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance should provide adequate protection for most residents. However, those with properties in specific wildfire-prone areas should verify wildfire coverage is included, and tornado-vulnerable homes should confirm wind and hail protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Quay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Quay County
Risk Verdict
At the 26th percentile nationally, Quay County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 26th percentile, Quay County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Quay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (18th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Quay County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Quay County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 38th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Quay County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.0 points below the New Mexico state average puts Quay County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Quay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Quay County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Quay County?
How does Quay County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Quay County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Quay 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.