Gila County

Arizona — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Medium

Composite Risk Score

90.2

National percentile: 90th

Gila County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 90.2, 90th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $55M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $55M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 53K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Wildfire
High $17M/yr
Lightning
High $1M/yr
Riverine Flood
Medium $35M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Wildfire High 0.01 / yr $17M
Lightning High 57.88 / yr $1M
Riverine Flood Medium 5.46 / yr $35M
Heat Wave Medium 3.55 / yr $2M
Winter Weather High 6.47 / yr $191K
Landslide Low 4.49 / yr $8K
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $278K
Avalanche Very Low 0.01 / yr $801
Strong Wind Low 0.78 / yr $278K
Hail Very Low 0.31 / yr $74K
Drought Very Low 67.26 / yr $7K
Tornado Very Low 0.22 / yr $73K
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Hurricane Very Low 0.01 / yr $582
Cold Wave Very Low 0.00 / yr $34
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Ice Storm Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Gila County?

Gila County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 90.2 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 90th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Gila County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (High, $17M EAL), Lightning (High, $1M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $35M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Gila County compare to other Arizona counties?

Gila County ranks #9 of 15 Arizona counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.

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. Gila County's $55M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.