Archuleta County Disaster Risk
Archuleta County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Archuleta County, Colorado
Archuleta County enjoys well-below-average disaster risk
Archuleta County scores 34.48 on the composite risk scale, placing it below Colorado's state average of 40.67 and substantially below national hazard exposure. This very low rating reflects generally favorable conditions across most disaster categories.
Among Colorado's safest counties by composite measure
Archuleta's 34.48 score ranks it among the lower-risk counties statewide, with overall hazard exposure well below the state average. The county benefits from geography and development patterns that minimize many disaster types.
Comparable safety to nearby southern mountain counties
Archuleta (34.48) sits slightly above Alamosa (40.36) and significantly above Baca (23.16), placing it in the very low risk band shared by Colorado's southern tier. This isolated mountain location provides natural insulation from several major hazard types.
Wildfire emerges as the primary local hazard
Wildfire risk reaches 94.47 in Archuleta—one of Colorado's highest scores—reflecting the county's extensive forests and steep terrain. Flood risk of 51.65 merits attention in canyon and drainage areas, though tornadoes (9.64) pose minimal threat.
Prioritize wildfire defensibility and insurance
Archuleta residents should focus on defensible space around homes and ensure adequate wildfire coverage, as the 94.47 risk score demands serious attention despite overall low county risk. Flood insurance becomes important for properties in drainage corridors, but earthquake and tornado coverage may be deprioritized.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Archuleta County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Archuleta County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Archuleta County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 34th percentile. Being ranked at the 34th percentile nationally is an advantage for Archuleta County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Archuleta County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (46th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire, Archuleta County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 52th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Archuleta County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Archuleta County is 6.2 composite risk points below the Colorado state mean, meaning most other Colorado counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Archuleta County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Archuleta County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Archuleta County?
How does Archuleta County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Archuleta County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Archuleta County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.