Arizona natural disaster risk
Arizona ranks #50 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, wildfire, heat wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Arizona's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | 4,559,748 | 99.9 | Very High |
| Pima County | 1,060,490 | 99.1 | Relatively High |
| Pinal County | 469,006 | 93.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Yavapai County | 245,480 | 93.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Mohave County | 220,517 | 94.8 | Relatively High |
| Yuma County | 211,741 | 92.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coconino County | 144,508 | 94.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cochise County | 125,566 | 92.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Navajo County | 108,415 | 88.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Apache County | 65,341 | 78.8 | Relatively Low |
| Gila County | 53,795 | 90.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Santa Cruz County | 48,926 | 88.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Graham County | 39,232 | 64.6 | Relatively Low |
| La Paz County | 16,664 | 83.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Greenlee County | 9,409 | 12.4 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Arizona
- Graham County 64.6
- Apache County 78.8
- Navajo County 88.1
- Santa Cruz County 88.3
- Gila County 90.2
- Yuma County 92.6
- Cochise County 92.8
- Yavapai County 93.7
Cities in Arizona
- Phoenix, AZ risk 99.3
- Tucson, AZ risk 99.1
- Prescott, AZ risk 93.7
Frequently asked questions
Is Arizona safe from natural disasters?
Arizona's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 97.7 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #50 of 51 from safest. About 79% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Arizona?
The highest relative risks in Arizona are riverine flooding, wildfire, heat wave (national percentile scores 98, 98, 97).
Where is the safest place to live in Arizona?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Graham County, Apache County, Navajo County.