Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AK
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 67th
Aleutians West Census Area faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 67.3, 67th national percentile), driven primarily by volcanic activity and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $29M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Aleutians West Census Area carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 67.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 67th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.16 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 0.43 events per year; and tsunami (series of ocean waves triggered by undersea earthquakes or landslides) at Medium risk — $20M in expected annual loss and about 0.35 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $29M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Aleutians West Census Area has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Aleutians West Census Area has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2004, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong (flood), declared in October 2025.
Among 30 Alaska counties, Aleutians West Census Area ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Volcanic Activity | High | 0.16 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.43 / yr | $6M |
| Tsunami | Medium | 0.35 / yr | $20M |
| Landslide | Medium | 0.25 / yr | $47K |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $457K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 2.97 / yr | $17K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $395 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 1.24 / yr | $24 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Aleutians West Census Area has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2004, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong in October 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong |
| September 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm |
| November 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Tidal Surges and Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Aleutians West Census Area?
Aleutians West Census Area has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 67.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 67th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Aleutians West Census Area?
The three highest-rated hazards are Volcanic Activity (High, $3M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $6M EAL), Tsunami (Medium, $20M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Aleutians West Census Area compare to other Alaska counties?
Aleutians West Census Area ranks #5 of 30 Alaska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Aleutians West Census Area had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Aleutians West Census Area since 2004, most often 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong, declared in October 2025.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Aleutians West Census Area's $29M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.