Baca County Disaster Risk
Baca County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Baca County, Colorado
Baca County ranks among America's safest regions
Baca County scores just 23.16 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below both Colorado's state average (40.67) and national hazard exposure. This very low rating reflects minimal vulnerability across most disaster types.
One of Colorado's lowest-risk counties statewide
With a composite score of 23.16, Baca ranks among the safest counties in Colorado, facing less than half the state's average disaster exposure. Few Colorado counties enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.
Lowest risk in the southeastern plains region
Baca (23.16) sits substantially below Bent County (5.63) to the west, making it one of the safest areas in eastern Colorado's plains region. The county's isolation and sparse development contribute to this favorable hazard profile.
Wildfire poses the only significant local threat
Wildfire risk of 80.76 stands out as Baca's primary concern, reflecting grassland conditions in this high plains county. Tornado risk (26.46) remains modest, and flood risk (6.39) is minimal—among the lowest in the state.
Basic coverage sufficient in this very safe county
Baca residents should ensure adequate wildfire insurance given the 80.76 risk score, but can deprioritize flood and earthquake coverage in this very low-hazard environment. Standard homeowner policies paired with wildfire awareness provide solid protection for this plains county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Baca County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Baca County
Risk Verdict
Baca County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 23th percentile nationally. At the 23th percentile nationally, Baca County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Baca County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), flood (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Baca County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 26th percentile nationally means Baca County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Baca County residents.
Regional Context
Baca County falls 17.5 points below Colorado's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Baca County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Baca County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Baca County?
How does Baca County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Baca County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Baca 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.