Natural Disaster Risk in Mora County

Natural Hazard Profile: Mora County, New Mexico

Mora County is located in the United States in New Mexico, home to roughly 4,158 residents. The county experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation, with a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Mora County carries an overall risk score of 4.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.

Mora County'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 Mora County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Mora 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.