Custer County Disaster Risk
Custer County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Custer County, Colorado
Custer County ranks among nation's safest
Custer's composite risk score of 3.91 places it in the very low category, making it one of the safest counties in America. Despite mountain terrain, the county faces minimal natural disaster risk.
Exceptionally low risk for Colorado
Custer's 3.91 score is well below Colorado's 40.67 state average, ranking it in the state's bottom tier for disaster exposure. Residents enjoy significantly lower risk than typical Coloradans.
Safest county in south-central mountains
Custer (3.91) rivals Cheyenne and Crowley as Colorado's safest counties, despite its mountain setting. Its isolation and sparse population reduce exposure compared to more developed neighboring counties.
Wildfire presents the main exposure
Custer's wildfire risk of 81.62 is its highest score, though still far below the county's minimal overall risk rating. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all remain negligible.
Basic homeowners coverage is typically sufficient
Standard policies cover your exposures effectively in this low-risk county. Review wildfire coverage for properties near forested areas and maintain basic defensible space as a simple precaution.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Custer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Custer County
Risk Verdict
Custer County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 4th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 4th percentile nationally is an advantage for Custer County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Custer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 14th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (10th percentile), tornado (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Custer County's primary hazard at the 82th percentile nationally. For Custer County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 14th percentile nationally means Custer County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Custer County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Colorado county average, Custer County's composite score runs 36.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Custer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Custer County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Custer County?
How does Custer County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Custer County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Custer 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.