Dillingham Census Area, Alaska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AK
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Dillingham Census Area faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 35.7, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Dillingham Census Area carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 35.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 2.57 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $32K in expected annual loss and about 25.82 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $681K in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dillingham Census Area has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Dillingham Census Area has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1989, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 30 Alaska counties, Dillingham Census Area ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 2.57 / yr | $6M |
| Landslide | Medium | 25.82 / yr | $32K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.04 / yr | $681K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.03 / yr | $4K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $58K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $26 |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 12.31 / yr | $57K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $302K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 16.45 / yr | $4K |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $354 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Dillingham Census Area has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1989, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| December 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| June 2002 | Flood | Flooding |
| February 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Avalanches |
| May 1989 | Freezing | Severe Freezing |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dillingham Census Area?
Dillingham Census Area has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 35.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dillingham Census Area?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $6M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $32K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $681K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dillingham Census Area compare to other Alaska counties?
Dillingham Census Area ranks #13 of 30 Alaska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dillingham Census Area had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Dillingham Census Area since 1989, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Dillingham Census Area's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.