Bent County Disaster Risk
Bent County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bent County, Colorado
Bent County enjoys exceptional natural disaster safety
Bent County scores just 5.63 on the composite risk scale, placing it among America's safest regions for natural disasters and far below both state and national averages. This exceptionally low rating indicates minimal multi-hazard exposure across virtually all disaster categories.
Colorado's safest county by composite risk measure
Bent's 5.63 composite score ranks it as one of the lowest-risk counties in Colorado, with disaster exposure representing only a fraction of the state average (40.67). The county benefits from its isolated plains geography and sparse settlement patterns.
Safest in the eastern Colorado plains region
Bent (5.63) sits far below Baca County (23.16) to the north, making it Colorado's safest county by a considerable margin. This remote location on the high plains offers natural protection against most major hazard types.
Wildfire is the only notable local hazard
Wildfire risk of 64.69 represents Bent's sole significant exposure, though this remains moderate compared to mountain counties. Flood (7.57), tornado (19.66), and earthquake (16.54) risks all rank among Colorado's lowest.
Minimal coverage needs in this exceptionally safe county
Bent County residents can rely on basic homeowner insurance with optional wildfire coverage, given the county's 5.63 composite risk score—the lowest in Colorado. Flood, earthquake, and special tornado protections are unnecessary in this exceptionally safe location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bent County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bent County
Risk Verdict
Bent County's overall natural disaster score at the 6th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 6th percentile national ranking is one lens; Bent County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Bent County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 20th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 65th percentile nationally, Bent County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Bent County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 20th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Bent County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Bent County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Bent County's composite risk score sits 35.0 points below the Colorado county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Bent County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bent County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Bent County?
How does Bent County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Bent County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bent 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.