Hidalgo County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 9th
Hidalgo County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.9, 9th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hidalgo County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 8.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 9th 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 Hidalgo County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $864K in expected annual loss and about 124.62 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $421K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $367K in expected annual loss and about 2.57 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hidalgo 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: Hidalgo County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Hidalgo County ranks #29 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 124.62 / yr | $864K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $421K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.57 / yr | $367K |
| Lightning | Low | 53.77 / yr | $131K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $101 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $73K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 3.33 / yr | $7K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $66K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $24 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $332 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Hidalgo County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (5), Biological (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Fire Threats |
| June 1993 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1985 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| October 1983 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 1979 | Flood | Flooding |
| November 1972 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hidalgo County?
Hidalgo County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 9th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hidalgo County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $864K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $421K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $367K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hidalgo County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Hidalgo County ranks #29 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hidalgo County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Hidalgo County since 1972, most often 5 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Hidalgo County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.