Torrance County, New Mexico Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NM
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 46th
Torrance County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.2, 46th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Torrance County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 46.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 46th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $699K in expected annual loss and about 109.40 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $378K in expected annual loss and about 0.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Torrance 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: Torrance County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1985, including 7 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Echo Ridge Fire, Nm Fmag (fire), declared in April 2023.
Among 33 New Mexico counties, Torrance County ranks #24 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 109.40 / yr | $699K |
| Hail | Low | 0.79 / yr | $378K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 12.91 / yr | $80K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $339K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $6M |
| Lightning | Low | 60.04 / yr | $142K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.21 / yr | $37K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $59 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.60 / yr | $99 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $90K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $18K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $40K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $35K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Torrance County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1985, most recently Echo Ridge Fire, Nm Fmag in April 2023. Most frequent causes: Fire (7), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Fire | Echo Ridge Fire, Nm Fmag |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2016 | Fire | Dog Head Fire |
| October 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| June 2008 | Fire | Big Springs Fire |
| April 2008 | Fire | Trigo Fire |
| November 2007 | Fire | Ojo Peak Fire |
| August 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Torrance County?
Torrance County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 46th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Torrance County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $699K EAL), Hail (Low, $378K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Torrance County compare to other New Mexico counties?
Torrance County ranks #24 of 33 New Mexico counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Torrance County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Torrance County since 1985, most often 7 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Echo Ridge Fire, Nm Fmag, declared in April 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. Torrance County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.