Bethel Census Area
Alaska — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Bethel Census Area faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.3, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 4.54 / yr | $7M |
| Winter Weather | High | 11.06 / yr | $237K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $372K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.03 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $158K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $4 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.38 / yr | $335 |
| Lightning | Low | 21.30 / yr | $59K |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $54K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $759K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $783 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $189 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $82 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bethel Census Area?
Bethel Census Area has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bethel Census Area?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $7M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $237K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $372K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bethel Census Area compare to other Alaska counties?
Bethel Census Area ranks #11 of 30 Alaska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Bethel Census Area's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.