Quay County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Quay County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 26.0, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Quay County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 26.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 26th 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 Quay County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 108.41 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $486K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $150K in expected annual loss and about 10.60 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Quay County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Quay County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Quay County ranks #27 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 108.41 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $486K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 10.60 / yr | $150K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.99 / yr | $428K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.68 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Low | 50.53 / yr | $96K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.37 / yr | $85K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.26 / yr | $91K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $172K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $35 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.67 / yr | $73K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $5K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Quay County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2000 | Fire | Severe Fire Threats |
| January 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Quay County?
Quay County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 26.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 26th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Quay County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $486K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $150K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Quay County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Quay County ranks #27 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Quay County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Quay County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Quay County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.