Natural Disaster Risk in Vaughn

Natural Hazard Profile: Vaughn, New Mexico

Vaughn is a small community of about 529 in Guadalupe County, in the arid interior West. 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 Vaughn.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Vaughn carries an overall risk score of 4.2/10, 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 wildfire and avalanche.

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

Vaughn's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that volcano exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.