Sandoval County Disaster Risk
Sandoval County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
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
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sandoval County, New Mexico
Sandoval exceeds national risk benchmarks
Sandoval County's composite risk score of 76.97 places it well above the typical U.S. county, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that reflects real hazard exposure. The county faces a notably different risk mix than the national average, driven by Western wildfire and seismic vulnerabilities.
Among New Mexico's riskier counties
With a score of 76.97 versus the state average of 58.92, Sandoval County ranks higher than most New Mexico peers in overall risk. Elevated earthquake (88.68) and wildfire (93.64) scores distinguish Sandoval's hazard profile within the state.
Riskier than most central counties
Sandoval sits between Santa Fe's higher risk (85.97) and Torrance's lower risk (46.15), reflecting its position in the state's central corridor. The county's earthquake score of 88.68 is notably higher than safer southern neighbors like Sierra (44.62), influenced by proximity to major fault lines.
Earthquakes and wildfires top concerns
Earthquake risk of 88.68 is Sandoval's standout hazard, among the state's highest due to proximity to the Rio Grande Rift and related seismic zones. Wildfire risk of 93.64 creates a secondary but serious threat, especially across the county's forested northern regions.
Earthquake insurance and seismic prep essential
Sandoval homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage—critical given the county's 88.68 earthquake risk score. Securing heavy furniture, bracing water heaters, and reinforcing foundation attachments offer practical protection against the county's most distinctive hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sandoval County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sandoval County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 77th, Sandoval County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Sandoval County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Sandoval County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (84th percentile), tornado (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Sandoval County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 89th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Sandoval County residents.
Regional Context
At 18.1 points above the New Mexico state average, Sandoval County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical New Mexico county.
Is your household prepared for Sandoval County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sandoval County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Sandoval County?
How does Sandoval County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Sandoval County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sandoval 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.