Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 88252
Jal, New Mexico
Risk Summary for ZIP 88252
ZIP 88252 scores 6.8/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 88252, New Mexico
Located in the arid interior West, ZIP 88252 serves the Jal community. The semi-arid climate of this part of New Mexico — bringing hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 88252's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.8/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. Secondary hazards include hail and lightning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 88252's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.6/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by wildfire and hail, as measured by FEMA across New Mexico. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 88252's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for ZIP 88252: Wildfire preparedness
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 88252
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 88252 from other communities in New Mexico County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,364
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 32.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.8/10
Coordinates
32.1634° N, 103.3945° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 88252
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in New Mexico
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.