Roosevelt County Disaster Risk
Roosevelt County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Roosevelt County, New Mexico
Roosevelt County's risk above national average
Roosevelt County scores 84.06 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This elevated score reflects substantial multi-hazard exposure across the county's eastern plains landscape.
Among New Mexico's highest-risk counties
Roosevelt County ranks in the top tier of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with an 84.06 score, substantially exceeding the state average of 58.92. The county represents one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Roosevelt County's 84.06 score significantly exceeds neighboring Quay and Curry counties to the north and west. The county's eastern plains location subjects it to unique tornado and hurricane risk not found in western New Mexico.
Wildfire, tornado, and flood threaten residents
Wildfire risk peaks at 98.57, making Roosevelt County one of New Mexico's most fire-prone areas with severe property threats. Tornado risk at 53.53 is notably high for New Mexico, and flood risk at 83.72 rounds out a serious multi-hazard profile.
Multiple coverages essential for protection
Roosevelt County residents must secure homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space aggressively around structures. Tornado and wind coverage is equally critical given the county's plains location; consider a separate policy or rider if your standard policy has windstorm exclusions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Roosevelt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Roosevelt County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Roosevelt County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 84th. Roosevelt County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Roosevelt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (54th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), earthquake (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for wildfire, Roosevelt County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's flood exposure at the 84th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Roosevelt County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 25.1 points above the New Mexico state average puts Roosevelt County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Roosevelt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Roosevelt County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Roosevelt County?
How does Roosevelt County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Roosevelt County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Roosevelt 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.