Sierra County Disaster Risk
Sierra County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sierra County, New Mexico
Sierra's risk sits near national average
Sierra County's composite risk score of 55.82 and 'Relatively Low' rating place it slightly below the average U.S. county, making it one of New Mexico's safer regions. The county benefits from lower composite exposure despite some elevated hazard scores in specific categories.
Among New Mexico's safest counties
Sierra County ranks below the state average of 58.92 with its score of 55.82, placing it among New Mexico's lowest-risk counties. The county's safer standing reflects lower earthquake (44.62) and flood (74.30) scores compared to northern peers.
Safest in the southern cluster
Sierra ranks as the safest county among south-central New Mexico peers, with a 55.82 score well below Socorro (61.48) and substantially below northern counties like Santa Fe (85.97). The county's lower elevation and drier climate contribute to reduced flood and earthquake exposures.
Wildfire and flood are secondary concerns
While wildfire risk of 83.14 remains moderate, it's considerably lower than northern New Mexico counties, reflecting sparser forest coverage at higher elevations. Flood risk of 74.30 and an unusual but notable hurricane risk of 12.43 reflect Sierra's southern exposure and watershed vulnerability.
Standard coverage typically sufficient here
Standard homeowners insurance provides reasonable protection for Sierra County residents, though separate flood insurance remains prudent given the county's 74.30 flood risk. Basic wildfire mitigation—clearing debris around structures and maintaining gutters—offers practical protection without the extensive defensive space needs of northern counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sierra County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sierra County
Risk Verdict
Sierra County ranks at the 56th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Sierra County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sierra County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Sierra County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 74th percentile nationally means Sierra County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Sierra 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
The county's composite score diverges by only 3.1 points from the New Mexico average, making Sierra County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Sierra County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sierra County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Sierra County?
How does Sierra County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Sierra County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sierra 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.