Natural Disaster Risk in Circle
Alaska
Risk Summary for Circle
Circle scores 5.2/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Circle, Alaska
Circle is a small unincorporated community in Yukon-Koyukuk County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. The area experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Circle.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Circle carries an overall risk score of 5.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.
Circle's risk score, slightly above the 4.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Yukon-Koyukuk County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Circle's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Circle: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Circle
These city-level factors differentiate Circle from other communities in Yukon-Koyukuk County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
54
RuralGeographic Zone
Arctic / Subarctic
Permafrost & coastal erosion risk
Climate Band
Subarctic / Arctic
Latitude 65.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.4/10
Coordinates
65.7928° N, 144.1828° W
Yukon-Koyukuk County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Circle
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Circle
Other cities in Alaska
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.