Natural Disaster Risk in Saint Paul Island

Natural Hazard Profile: Saint Paul Island, Alaska

Saint Paul Island is a small unincorporated community in Aleutians West 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 Saint Paul Island.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Saint Paul Island carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and avalanche.

Saint Paul Island's risk score, slightly below the 4.6/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Aleutians West County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, volcano, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Saint Paul Island'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 tsunami exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.