Churchill County, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Churchill County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.3, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and volcanic activity exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Churchill County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 47.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th 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 Churchill County's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year; volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $793K in expected annual loss and about 143.64 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 26K.
Beyond physical exposure, Churchill County 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Churchill County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1997, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Churchill County ranks #8 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $7M |
| Volcanic Activity | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Drought | Medium | 143.64 / yr | $793K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $121K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.31 / yr | $77K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.21 / yr | $7M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $331 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 4.96 / yr | $645 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $26K |
| Lightning | Low | 18.06 / yr | $95K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.63 / yr | $100K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $81K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $27K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $2K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Churchill County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1997, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Snowstorm (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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Record and/Or Near Record Snow |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Landslides |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Churchill County?
Churchill County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Churchill County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $7M EAL), Volcanic Activity (Low, $4K EAL), Drought (Medium, $793K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Churchill County compare to other Nevada counties?
Churchill County ranks #8 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Churchill County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Churchill County since 1997, 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. Churchill County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.