Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

Natural Hazard Profile: Lincoln County, New Mexico

Lincoln County, in the United States in New Mexico, is characterized by its semi-arid climate — hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation. The county faces a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

Lincoln County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Secondary hazards include volcano and avalanche.

Within New Mexico, Lincoln County's risk is, near the 5.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Lincoln County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by volcano and avalanche. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Lincoln 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 wildfire is recommended.