Natural Disaster Risk in Socorro County

Natural Hazard Profile: Socorro County, New Mexico

Socorro County is located in the United States in New Mexico, home to roughly 16,505 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, Socorro County carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and wildfire.

Socorro County's risk score, near the 5.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Socorro County, the highest-scoring are volcano, avalanche, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Socorro 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 volcano is recommended.