Garfield County Disaster Risk
Garfield County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Garfield County, Colorado
Garfield County faces moderate disaster risk
Garfield County scores 64.54 on composite disaster risk, rated Relatively Low—above Colorado's state average of 40.67 but among the safer high-risk counties nationally. The score reflects western Colorado's mountain and canyon geography.
Lower-middle risk tier in Colorado
Garfield ranks in Colorado's safer half, exceeding only the two lowest-risk counties (Dolores and Elbert). Its northwest location and mixed terrain create moderate but manageable hazard exposure.
Safer than Eagle, comparable to Fremont
Garfield's score of 64.54 is lower than Eagle County (76.24) and slightly lower than Fremont (68.58). The county faces fewer hazards than any Front Range county, with minimal tornado threat.
Wildfire and flood are primary hazards
Garfield residents face wildfire risk of 90.97 and flood risk of 77.51, both significant in western Colorado's canyons and plateaus. Tornado risk is minimal at 9.19, while earthquake risk is moderate at 62.02.
Wildfire and flood insurance are essential
Garfield County homeowners should maintain defensible space and secure flood insurance for properties near the Colorado River and tributary canyons. Verify your standard policy covers wildfire damage and wind from severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Garfield County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Garfield County
Risk Verdict
Garfield County ranks at the 65th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Garfield County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (62th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Garfield County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Garfield County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 78th percentile nationally means Garfield County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Garfield County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Colorado counties, Garfield County runs 23.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Garfield County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Garfield County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Garfield County?
How does Garfield County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Garfield County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Garfield County higher risk than average?
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.