Humboldt County, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 41th
Humboldt County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 40.8, 41th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Humboldt County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 40.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 41st 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 — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 125.22 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Humboldt 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: Humboldt County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Humboldt County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.02 / yr | $10M |
| Drought | Medium | 125.22 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.03 / yr | $46K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 11.66 / yr | $164K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.47 / yr | $267K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 3.87 / yr | $656 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 19.52 / yr | $49K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $33K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $17K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $4K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Humboldt County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Snowstorm (2), Severe Storm (1).
| 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 |
| February 1986 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| June 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Humboldt County?
Humboldt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 40.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 41th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Humboldt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $10M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Humboldt County compare to other Nevada counties?
Humboldt County ranks #9 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Humboldt County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Humboldt County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm 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. Humboldt County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.