Dolores County Disaster Risk
Dolores County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dolores County, Colorado
Dolores has among the lowest disaster risk
Dolores County's composite risk score of 11.32 ranks it as Very Low—substantially below Colorado's state average of 40.67. Nationally, Dolores falls in the safer tier for multi-hazard disaster exposure.
Lowest-risk county in Colorado
Dolores is the safest county in Colorado by composite disaster risk score. Its remote, rural character and lower population density contribute to minimal overall vulnerability across all hazard types.
Safest county in its region
Dolores's risk score of 11.32 is dramatically lower than nearby Douglas (88.71) and El Paso (94.05) counties. The county's isolation and sparse development pattern create a protective buffer against disaster impacts.
Wildfire is the only notable concern
Wildfire risk in Dolores is relatively elevated at 79.77, reflecting the county's forested terrain in southwest Colorado. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all score well below state and national averages.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
While overall disaster risk is low, Dolores residents should prioritize wildfire mitigation—defensible space around homes, roof venting screens, and gutter clearing matter most. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, so verify your policy limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dolores County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dolores County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Dolores County ranks at the 11th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 11th percentile, Dolores County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dolores County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dolores County sits at the 80th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Dolores County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 33th percentile nationally means Dolores County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Dolores County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 29.3 points below the Colorado state average, Dolores County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Dolores County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dolores County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Dolores County?
How does Dolores County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Dolores County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dolores 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.