Natural Disaster Risk in Fairbanks North Star County

Natural Hazard Profile: Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska

Fairbanks North Star County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state in Alaska, is characterized by its subarctic climate — subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers. The county faces severe winter storms, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Fairbanks North Star County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include earthquake and wildfire.

Within Alaska, Fairbanks North Star County's risk is, slightly above the 4.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Fairbanks North Star County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Fairbanks North Star County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.