Roosevelt County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 84th
Roosevelt County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 84.1, 84th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $45M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Roosevelt County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 84.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 84th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Roosevelt County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at High risk — $16M in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 110.44 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.61 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $45M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Roosevelt County has a medium 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Roosevelt County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for fire events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Roosevelt County ranks #8 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | High | 0.02 / yr | $16M |
| Drought | High | 110.44 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.61 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.14 / yr | $20M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 7.39 / yr | $209K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.15 / yr | $999K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.58 / yr | $647K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.80 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Low | 50.26 / yr | $132K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $15K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.41 / yr | $24K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.42 / yr | $309K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $13 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Roosevelt County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Fire (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2011 | Fire | Tire Fire |
| 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 Roosevelt County?
Roosevelt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 84.1 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 84th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Roosevelt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (High, $16M EAL), Drought (High, $3M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Roosevelt County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Roosevelt County ranks #8 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Roosevelt County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Roosevelt County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for fire 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. Roosevelt County's $45M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.