New Mexico natural disaster risk
New Mexico ranks #31 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are wildfire, winter weather, lightning.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in New Mexico's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | 673,930 | 94.4 | Relatively High |
| Doña Ana County | 224,266 | 96.1 | Relatively High |
| Santa Fe County | 156,105 | 86.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sandoval County | 153,604 | 77.0 | Relatively Low |
| San Juan County | 120,942 | 88.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Valencia County | 78,458 | 82.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lea County | 73,733 | 86.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| McKinley County | 70,431 | 78.2 | Relatively Low |
| Otero County | 68,816 | 84.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Chaves County | 64,217 | 87.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Eddy County | 61,105 | 83.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Curry County | 47,638 | 61.8 | Relatively Low |
| Rio Arriba County | 40,070 | 80.5 | Relatively Low |
| Taos County | 34,543 | 74.3 | Relatively Low |
| Grant County | 27,775 | 74.1 | Relatively Low |
| San Miguel County | 26,850 | 74.6 | Relatively Low |
| Cibola County | 26,845 | 58.4 | Relatively Low |
| Luna County | 25,611 | 51.6 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 20,224 | 79.5 | Relatively Low |
| Los Alamos County | 19,435 | 3.6 | Very Low |
| Roosevelt County | 18,928 | 84.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Socorro County | 16,200 | 61.5 | Relatively Low |
| Torrance County | 15,490 | 46.2 | Relatively Low |
| Colfax County | 12,322 | 58.5 | Relatively Low |
| Sierra County | 11,500 | 55.8 | Relatively 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 New Mexico
- Luna County 51.6
- Cibola County 58.4
- Curry County 61.8
- Grant County 74.1
- Taos County 74.3
- San Miguel County 74.6
- Sandoval County 77.0
- McKinley County 78.2
Cities in New Mexico
- Albuquerque, NM risk 89.8
Frequently asked questions
Is New Mexico safe from natural disasters?
New Mexico's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 84.2 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #31 of 51 from safest. About 42% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in New Mexico?
The highest relative risks in New Mexico are wildfire, winter weather, lightning (national percentile scores 92, 90, 90).
Where is the safest place to live in New Mexico?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Luna County, Cibola County, Curry County.