Los Alamos County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 4th
Los Alamos County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 3.6, 4th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Los Alamos County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 3.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 4th 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 Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $8K in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $558K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Los Alamos County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Los Alamos County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2000, including 4 for fire events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Wildfires, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Mudflows, and Debris Flows (fire), declared in May 2022.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Los Alamos County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.08 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $558K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 27.09 / yr | $124K |
| Lightning | Low | 69.14 / yr | $287K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.81 / yr | $72K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $3M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $11 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $74K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $17K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $24K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $29K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 93.89 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Los Alamos County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most recently Wildfires, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Mudflows, and Debris Flows in May 2022. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), Flood (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | Fire | Wildfires, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Mudflows, and Debris Flows |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| August 2012 | Flood | Flooding |
| November 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| June 2011 | Fire | Las Conchas Fire |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Forest Fire |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Fire Threats |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Los Alamos County?
Los Alamos County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 3.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 4th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Los Alamos County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $1M EAL), Landslide (Low, $8K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $558K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Los Alamos County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Los Alamos County ranks #32 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Los Alamos County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Los Alamos County since 2000, most often 4 for fire events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Wildfires, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Mudflows, and Debris Flows, declared in May 2022.
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. Los Alamos County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.