Mora County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Mora County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.8, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Mora County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 38.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th 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 Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $6K in expected annual loss and about 0.74 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $194K in expected annual loss and about 146.61 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Mora County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Mora County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 for fire events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Las Tusas Fire (fire), declared in May 2023.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Mora County ranks #25 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.74 / yr | $6K |
| Drought | Low | 146.61 / yr | $194K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.07 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 20.50 / yr | $25K |
| Lightning | Low | 67.83 / yr | $61K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $29K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $28 |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.23 / yr | $24K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.40 / yr | $37K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $11K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $8K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $117 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $300 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / 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
Mora County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Las Tusas Fire in May 2023. Most frequent causes: Fire (8), Flood (5), Severe Storm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2023 | Fire | Las Tusas Fire |
| 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 |
| September 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2006 | Fire | Rivera Mesa Fire |
| April 2006 | Fire | Ojo Feliz Fire |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Mora County?
Mora County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Mora County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $6K EAL), Drought (Low, $194K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Mora County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Mora County ranks #25 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Mora County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Mora County since 1965, most often 8 for fire events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Las Tusas Fire, declared in May 2023.
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. Mora County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.