Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Natural disaster risk, federal disaster history and flood insurance facts.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska has a moderate overall risk from natural hazards in FEMA's National Risk Index. Its risk score is higher than 93% of US counties. It ranks 2nd of 30 boroughs and census areas in Alaska. The costliest hazards here are earthquakes, avalanches and inland flooding. FEMA estimates about $161 million a year in expected losses, or roughly $1,505 per resident. Since 1986 it has been included in 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events (14 major disasters). The most recent was in April 2026 (severe storm). Fewer than 1 in 100 homes here carry federal flood insurance (195 policies). Since 1978, federal flood insurance has paid about $2.2 million on 87 claims here.
FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; OpenFEMA declarations to Nov 6, 2026; NFIP records. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry trips.
- Ask about slide paths near mountain homes.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
All 18 hazards
What the ratings mean ›| Hazard | Rating | Score | Expected loss a year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 98.9 | $131M | ||
| Avalanche | 99.9 | $15M | ||
| Inland flooding | 51.3 | $8M | ||
| Wildfire | 94.7 | $4M | ||
| Cold wave | 61.4 | $2M | ||
| Winter weather | 93.1 | $620K | ||
| Lightning | 54.8 | $329K | ||
| Landslide | 96.8 | $304K | ||
| Tsunami | 9.2 | $56K | ||
| Ice storm | 17.0 | $14K | ||
| Hail | 3.2 | $8K | ||
| Volcanic activity | 80.8 | $915 | ||
| Tornado | 0.9 | $7 |
Scores are percentiles: a score of 90 means higher risk than about 90% of US counties for that hazard. Hazards FEMA does not rate here are left out. Social vulnerability is very low and community resilience is very low in FEMA's measures.
Federal disaster history
Recent disasters nationwide ›Declarations by decade
Federal declarations for natural events that included Matanuska-Susitna Borough. 2020s bar runs to November 2026.
By type
Most recent
Show all 18
Alaska also had 33 statewide declarations that did not name single counties.
Flood insurance in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Check your address flood zone ›National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) records only; private flood policies are not included. Home counts as of Aug 3, 2026. Since 2021 NFIP prices each home separately under Risk Rating 2.0, so your price depends on the building, not the county. Ask an agent for a quote.
Homes in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Older homes and mobile homes usually suffer more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes, and can cost more to insure. If you are buying, ask about roof age, foundation bolting and any retrofits. Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates; 51,170 housing units.
Compare in Alaska
All 30 ›| Largest counties | Overall risk | Top hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage Municipality | Earthquake | |
| Matanuska-Susitna Borough | Earthquake | |
| Fairbanks North Star Borough | Earthquake | |
| Kenai Peninsula Borough | Earthquake | |
| Juneau City and Borough | Earthquake | |
| Bethel Census Area | Cold wave | |
| Ketchikan Gateway Borough | Inland flooding | |
| Kodiak Island Borough | Earthquake |
Neighboring counties
Common questions about Matanuska-Susitna Borough
What is the biggest natural hazard in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Earthquake has the highest expected yearly losses in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, about $131 million a year in FEMA's estimate. Avalanche is second at $15.4 million.
How many federal disasters has Matanuska-Susitna Borough had?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been included in 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events since 1986, including 14 major disasters. The most recent was Severe Storm in April 2026.
Is Matanuska-Susitna Borough a high-risk place to live?
Its overall rating is Relatively Moderate, 2nd highest of 30 in Alaska. A county rating covers the whole area. Risk at one address can be much higher or lower, so check the FEMA flood map and ask about the home's history.
Do I need flood insurance in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Standard home insurance does not cover flooding. About 1 in 250 homes in Matanuska-Susitna Borough has federal flood insurance. Lenders require it in mapped high-risk zones, but many flood claims come from outside those zones.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025), OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, and NFIP policy and claims data. Hazard Compass is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. These figures describe the whole borough, not a single property, and are not insurance or safety advice. Report a problem.