Fairbanks, Alaska: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fairbanks is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Fairbanks North Star Borough.
Fairbanks is a city of 32,083 people in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Fairbanks North Star Borough relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, cold wave and wildfire, with about $101 million in expected losses a year across the county. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Fairbanks North Star Borough. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fairbanks
Full Fairbanks North Star Borough report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $55M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Wildfire | $13M | |
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Landslide | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $457K | |
| Lightning | $452K | |
| Ice storm | $59K | |
| Strong wind | $5K | |
| Hail | $1K | |
| Volcanic activity | $23 |
Homes in Fairbanks
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Common questions about Fairbanks
Is Fairbanks safe from natural disasters?
Fairbanks is in Fairbanks North Star Borough, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, cold wave, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fairbanks?
By expected yearly losses in Fairbanks North Star Borough, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High), wildfire (Moderate). Fairbanks North Star Borough has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fairbanks get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Fairbanks North Star Borough since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Fairbanks?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Fairbanks North Star Borough, about 1.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.