Petersburg Borough, Alaska
Natural disaster risk, federal disaster history and flood insurance facts.
Petersburg Borough, Alaska has a very low overall risk from natural hazards in FEMA's National Risk Index. Its risk score is lower than 85% of US counties. It ranks 19th of 30 boroughs and census areas in Alaska. The costliest hazards here are landslides, avalanches and inland flooding. FEMA estimates about $5.1 million a year in expected losses, or roughly $1,511 per resident. Since 2021 it has been included in 1 federal disaster or emergency declaration for natural events (1 major disaster). The most recent was in February 2021 (severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides). Only 24 homes here carry federal flood insurance.
FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; OpenFEMA declarations to Nov 6, 2026; NFIP records. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Petersburg Borough
- Look for cracks, tilting trees or fences on slopes nearby.
- Ask the county about past slides on the street.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landslide | 99.7 | $3M | ||
| Avalanche | 92.7 | $2M | ||
| Inland flooding | 1.0 | $187K | ||
| Winter weather | 30.9 | $26K | ||
| Earthquake | 18.3 | $20K | ||
| Ice storm | 14.4 | $8K | ||
| Cold wave | 4.0 | $6K | ||
| Volcanic activity | 86.3 | $3K | ||
| Lightning | 0.4 | $1K | ||
| Wildfire | 3.4 | $991 | ||
| Tornado | 0.3 | $0 |
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 relatively moderate 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 Petersburg Borough. 2020s bar runs to November 2026.
By type
Most recent
Alaska also had 33 statewide declarations that did not name single counties.
Flood insurance in Petersburg 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 Petersburg 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; 1,863 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
| County | Overall risk | Declarations |
|---|---|---|
| Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area | 1 | |
| Hoonah-Angoon Census Area | 0 | |
| Wrangell City and Borough | 1 |
Common questions about Petersburg Borough
What is the biggest natural hazard in Petersburg Borough?
Landslide has the highest expected yearly losses in Petersburg Borough, about $3 million a year in FEMA's estimate. Avalanche is second at $1.8 million.
How many federal disasters has Petersburg Borough had?
Petersburg Borough has been included in 1 federal disaster or emergency declaration for natural events since 2021, including 1 major disaster. The most recent was Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides in February 2021.
Is Petersburg Borough a high-risk place to live?
Its overall rating is Very Low, 19th 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 Petersburg Borough?
Standard home insurance does not cover flooding. About 1 in 50 homes in Petersburg 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.