Eddy County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 84th
Eddy County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 83.7, 84th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $44M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Eddy County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 83.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 84th 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $607K in expected annual loss and about 6.46 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $36M in expected annual loss and about 4.57 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $936K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $44M in expected annual loss for a population of 62K.
Beyond physical exposure, Eddy County has a medium 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: Eddy County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1984, including 3 for severe storm events and 3 for fire events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Eddy County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 6.46 / yr | $607K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 4.57 / yr | $36M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $936K |
| Drought | Medium | 127.38 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.45 / yr | $506K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.60 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.93 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 48.11 / yr | $582K |
| Hail | Medium | 1.63 / yr | $576K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.49 / yr | $983K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.74 / yr | $362K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $42K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $33 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $78 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Eddy County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1984, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Fire (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| January 2006 | Fire | Southeast New Mexico Fire Complex |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Forest Fire |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Fire Threats |
| January 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Eddy County?
Eddy County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 83.7 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 84th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Eddy County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $607K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $36M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $936K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Eddy County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Eddy County ranks #9 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Eddy County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Eddy County since 1984, most often 3 for severe storm events and 3 for fire 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. Eddy County's $44M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.