Eureka County, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 5th
Eureka County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 5.2, 5th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Eureka County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 5.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 5th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $359K in expected annual loss and about 124.70 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $225K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Eureka County has a very 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: Eureka County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (flood), declared in April 2023.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Eureka County ranks #16 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 124.70 / yr | $359K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $225K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.93 / yr | $565 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $162 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.61 / yr | $36K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.93 / yr | $22K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.96 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $38K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $6K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 28.81 / yr | $9K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $4K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $265 |
| 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
Eureka County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides in April 2023. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Snowstorm (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| July 2005 | Fire | Carlin Fire |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Record and/Or Near Record Snow |
| June 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Eureka County?
Eureka County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 5.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 5th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Eureka County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Low, $359K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $225K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Eureka County compare to other Nevada counties?
Eureka County ranks #16 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Eureka County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Eureka County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, declared in April 2023.
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. Eureka County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.