Harding County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 0th
Harding County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 0.4, 0th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $593K.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Harding County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 0.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 0th 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.
Most of Harding County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $121K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Very Low risk — $6K in expected annual loss and about 109.46 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $103 in expected annual loss and about 0.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $593K in expected annual loss for a population of 656.
Beyond physical exposure, Harding County has a high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Harding County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Harding County ranks #33 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $121K |
| Drought | Very Low | 109.46 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $103 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 12.27 / yr | $14K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $15K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.80 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 55.83 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $8K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $390K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.52 / yr | $8K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $59 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Harding County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| August 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Fire Threats |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| May 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms, Snow Melt & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Harding County?
Harding County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 0.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 0th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Harding County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $121K EAL), Drought (Very Low, $6K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $103 EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Harding County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Harding County ranks #33 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Harding County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Harding County since 1973, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood 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. Harding County's $593K EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.