Washoe County, Nevada Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NV
HighComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 97th
Washoe County faces high composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 96.7, 97th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $274M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Washoe County carries a high composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 96.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 97th national percentile and in the upper tier of natural-disaster risk nationally. 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 earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at High risk — $160M in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at High risk — $27M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Very High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 11.60 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $274M in expected annual loss for a population of 486K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washoe County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Washoe County has received 48 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 37 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Peavine Fire (fire), declared in August 2025.
Among 17 Nevada counties, Washoe County ranks #2 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | High | 0.04 / yr | $160M |
| Wildfire | High | 0.01 / yr | $27M |
| Winter Weather | Very High | 11.60 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | High | 1.39 / yr | $80M |
| Lightning | High | 16.65 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Medium | 7.29 / yr | $65K |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.13 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $490K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $344 |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.09 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 0.06 / yr | $413K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.21 / yr | $610K |
| Drought | Low | 139.07 / yr | $169K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $146K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washoe County has received 48 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Peavine Fire in August 2025. Most frequent causes: Fire (37), Severe Storm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Fire | Peavine Fire |
| June 2025 | Fire | Marie Fire |
| November 2024 | Fire | Callahan Fire |
| September 2024 | Fire | Davis Fire |
| August 2024 | Fire | Gold Ranch Fire |
| June 2024 | Fire | Sullivan Fire |
| June 2024 | Fire | Trail Fire |
| August 2022 | Fire | Joy Lake Fire |
| November 2020 | Fire | Pinehaven Fire |
| August 2020 | Fire | Loyalton Fire |
Showing the 10 most recent of 48 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washoe County?
Washoe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 96.7 out of 100, placing it in the High category and the 97th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washoe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (High, $160M EAL), Wildfire (High, $27M EAL), Winter Weather (Very High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washoe County compare to other Nevada counties?
Washoe County ranks #2 of 17 Nevada counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a high rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washoe County had?
FEMA records 48 federal disaster declarations for Washoe County since 1965, most often 37 for fire events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Peavine Fire, declared in August 2025.
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. Washoe County's $274M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.