San Juan County Disaster Risk
San Juan County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% 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 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in San Juan County, New Mexico
San Juan County faces highest state risk
San Juan County scores 88.30 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the national average. This is New Mexico's highest composite risk score, reflecting extreme exposure to multiple serious natural hazards.
New Mexico's most hazard-vulnerable county
San Juan County ranks at the very top of New Mexico's risk hierarchy with an 88.30 score, substantially exceeding the state average of 58.92 and surpassing all other counties in the state. The county faces the most significant multi-hazard exposure in New Mexico.
Riskier than all adjacent counties
San Juan County's 88.30 score significantly exceeds neighboring McKinley, Rio Arriba, and San Juan Basin counties. The county's northwestern location and complex geology create a perfect storm of overlapping natural hazard threats.
Flood, earthquake, and wildfire all severe
Flood risk reaches 92.40, making San Juan County one of New Mexico's most flood-prone areas with significant threats to homes and infrastructure. Earthquake risk at 83.94 and wildfire risk at 81.55 create a formidable multi-hazard environment.
Comprehensive, multi-layered protection required
San Juan County residents must secure flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and the county faces extreme inundation risk. Add earthquake coverage and verify wildfire protection; consider consulting an insurance broker to ensure all major hazards are covered given the county's exceptional risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in San Juan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: San Juan County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates San Juan County at the 88th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is San Juan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (82th percentile), tornado (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is San Juan County's top hazard at the 92th 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. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 84th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across San Juan 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
San Juan County is 29.4 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 San Juan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in San Juan County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect San Juan County?
How does San Juan County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is San Juan County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is San Juan 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.