Elko County, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 88th
Elko County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 87.9, 88th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $75M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Elko County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 87.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 88th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at High risk — $62M in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $355K in expected annual loss and about 21.58 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $75M in expected annual loss for a population of 54K.
Beyond physical exposure, Elko 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 federal record bears this out: Elko County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 11 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Elko County ranks #3 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | High | 0.03 / yr | $62M |
| Winter Weather | High | 21.58 / yr | $355K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $502K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 8.01 / yr | $2K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.20 / yr | $516K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.82 / yr | $8M |
| Lightning | Low | 29.67 / yr | $263K |
| Drought | Low | 84.56 / yr | $64K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $278K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $79K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.24 / yr | $168K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $2K |
| Coastal Flood | 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
Elko County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Fire (11), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2017 | Fire | Oil Well Fire |
| March 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| October 2011 | Fire | Indian Creek Fire |
| July 2007 | Fire | Murphy Fire Complex |
| August 2006 | Fire | Mudd Fire |
| June 2006 | Fire | Suzie Fire |
| February 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Elko County?
Elko County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 87.9 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 88th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Elko County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (High, $62M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $355K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Elko County compare to other Nevada counties?
Elko County ranks #3 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Elko County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Elko County since 1977, most often 11 for fire events and 2 for biological 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. Elko County's $75M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.