Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AK
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 1th
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 1.0, 1th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and volcanic activity exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $839K.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 1.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 1st 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $64K in expected annual loss and about 10.07 events per year; volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at Low risk — $11K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $119K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $839K in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area has received 2 federal disaster declarations since 2020, including 1 for mud/landslide events and 1 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides (mud/landslide), declared in April 2024.
Among 30 Alaska counties, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area ranks #28 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 10.07 / yr | $64K |
| Volcanic Activity | Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $119K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $163 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $234K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.92 / yr | $23K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $372K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $1K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 3.46 / yr | $4K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 5.60 / yr | $0 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area has received 2 federal disaster declarations since 2020, most recently Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides in April 2024. Most frequent causes: Mud/Landslide (1), Biological (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | Mud/Landslide | Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 1.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 1th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $64K EAL), Volcanic Activity (Low, $11K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $119K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area compare to other Alaska counties?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area ranks #28 of 30 Alaska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area had?
FEMA records 2 federal disaster declarations for Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area since 2020, most often 1 for mud/landslide events and 1 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides, declared in April 2024.
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. Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area's $839K EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.