Carson City City, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 76th
Carson City City faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 76.1, 76th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $41M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Carson City City is low, with a National Risk Index score of 76.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 76th 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.
Most of Carson City City's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $30M in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $641K in expected annual loss and about 15.85 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $41M in expected annual loss for a population of 59K.
Beyond physical exposure, Carson City City 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: Carson City City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1986, including 5 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Carson City City ranks #6 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $30M |
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 15.85 / yr | $641K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.07 / yr | $46K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.83 / yr | $523K |
| Lightning | Low | 18.59 / yr | $271K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14 |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.18 / yr | $7M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.74 / yr | $1K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $82K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.15 / yr | $194K |
| Drought | Very Low | 68.20 / yr | $558 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Carson City City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1986, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Fire (5), Severe Storm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| February 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| June 2006 | Fire | Linehan Fire Complex |
| February 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Record and/Or Near Record Snow |
| August 2004 | Fire | Wildland Fire |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Carson City City?
Carson City City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 76.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 76th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Carson City City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $30M EAL), Wildfire (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $641K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Carson City City compare to other Nevada counties?
Carson City City ranks #6 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Carson City City had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Carson City City since 1986, most often 5 for fire events and 4 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. Carson City City's $41M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.