Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, New Mexico
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 33 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 Union County, New Mexico
Union ranks among America's safest
Union County's composite risk score of 12.09 and 'Very Low' rating place it among the safest counties in the entire United States. The county's remote northeastern location and sparse development create exceptional protection against most natural disaster categories.
By far New Mexico's lowest-risk county
Union County scores just 12.09 against New Mexico's state average of 58.92—a dramatic gap that makes it the state's clear safety leader. The county's low scores across flood (7.09), earthquake (17.53), and tornado (12.44) categories reflect its unique geographic position.
Dramatically safer than all New Mexico peers
Union's 12.09 score represents a striking contrast to every other New Mexico county tracked, sitting far below Torrance (46.15), the state's second-safest. The county's isolation and sparse population contribute to its exceptional low-risk standing.
Wildfire the only notable hazard
Wildfire risk of 88.84 is Union County's lone hazard scoring above typical thresholds, creating the county's primary natural disaster exposure. All other hazards—flood (7.09), earthquake (17.53), tornado (12.44)—score exceptionally low, making Union one of America's lowest-risk counties.
Minimal special coverage needed
Union County residents face one of America's lowest natural disaster risk profiles and typically need only standard homeowners insurance coverage. Wildfire preparedness—clearing brush and maintaining defensible space—provides practical protection for the county's single meaningful hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Union County's overall natural disaster score at the 12th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Union County's 12th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (12th percentile), flood (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 89th percentile nationally, Union County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Union County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's earthquake exposure at the 18th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Union County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Union County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Union County's composite risk score sits 46.8 points below the New Mexico county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, NM?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the New Mexico average?
Is Union County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Union 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.