Natural Disaster Risk in Des Moines
New Mexico
Risk Summary for Des Moines
Des Moines scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
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: Des Moines, New Mexico
Des Moines is a small community of about 536 in Union County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation, with a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk 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 Des Moines.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Des Moines carries an overall risk score of 4.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and avalanche.
Des Moines's risk score, slightly below the 5.6/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Union County, the highest-scoring are drought, wildfire, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Des Moines 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 drought is recommended.
What this means for Des Moines: Drought preparedness
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
Local Factors for Des Moines
These city-level factors differentiate Des Moines from other communities in Union County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
536
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.0/10
Coordinates
36.7499° N, 103.6387° W
Union 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 Des Moines
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Des Moines
Other cities in New Mexico
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.