Nevada natural disaster risk
Nevada ranks #47 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are wildfire, earthquake, riverine flooding.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Nevada's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clark County | 2,329,548 | 99.6 | Very High |
| Washoe County | 497,200 | 96.7 | Relatively High |
| Lyon County | 61,680 | 71.4 | Relatively Low |
| Carson City | 58,384 | 76.1 | Relatively Low |
| Nye County | 54,344 | 78.3 | Relatively Low |
| Elko County | 54,047 | 87.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Douglas County | 49,623 | 84.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Churchill County | 25,805 | 47.3 | Relatively Low |
| Humboldt County | 17,289 | 40.8 | Very Low |
| White Pine County | 8,735 | 12.5 | Very Low |
| Pershing County | 6,487 | 6.0 | Very Low |
| Lander County | 5,770 | 17.0 | Very Low |
| Mineral County | 4,542 | 9.8 | Very Low |
| Lincoln County | 4,405 | 25.9 | Very Low |
| Storey County | 4,140 | 25.2 | Very Low |
| Eureka County | 1,585 | 5.2 | Very Low |
| Esmeralda County | 1,028 | 2.1 | 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 Nevada
- Churchill County 47.3
- Lyon County 71.4
- Carson City 76.1
- Nye County 78.3
- Douglas County 84.4
- Elko County 87.9
- Washoe County 96.7
- Clark County 99.6
Cities in Nevada
- Las Vegas, NV risk 99.6
- Reno, NV risk 93.4
Frequently asked questions
Is Nevada safe from natural disasters?
Nevada's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 95.6 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #47 of 51 from safest. About 89% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Nevada?
The highest relative risks in Nevada are wildfire, earthquake, riverine flooding (national percentile scores 98, 98, 94).
Where is the safest place to live in Nevada?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Churchill County, Lyon County, Carson City.