Natural Disaster Risk in Tonto Basin
Arizona
Risk Summary for Tonto Basin
Tonto Basin scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Tonto Basin, Arizona
Tonto Basin, in Gila County, is a small community of about 1,755 situated in the arid interior West. Its desert climate brings intense summer heat and very low annual precipitation, and in particular a summer monsoon season bringing flash flood risk. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Tonto Basin residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Tonto Basin carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Wildfire is the primary natural hazard, driven by dry seasonal conditions, fire-prone vegetation, and the wind patterns that can spread flames rapidly across the landscape. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and avalanche.
Within Arizona, Tonto Basin's risk is, near the 6.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Gila County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and avalanche. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Tonto Basin's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Tonto Basin: Wildfire preparedness
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
Local Factors for Tonto Basin
These city-level factors differentiate Tonto Basin from other communities in Gila County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,755
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 33.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.9/10
Coordinates
33.7993° N, 111.2244° W
Gila 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 Tonto Basin
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Tonto Basin
Other cities in Arizona
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.