Gilpin County Disaster Risk
Gilpin County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#56
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gilpin County, Colorado
Gilpin ranks among America's safest counties
With a composite risk score of 6.36, Gilpin County sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This makes it one of the lowest-risk counties in the country for natural disasters overall.
Colorado's second-safest county
Gilpin's 6.36 score places it near the bottom of Colorado's risk spectrum, far below the state average of 40.67. Only one other Colorado county ranks safer overall.
Surrounded by higher-risk mountain neighbors
While Gilpin itself is very safe, nearby Grand County (50.19) and Gunnison County (44.97) face notably higher composite risks. This variation reflects different exposure to wildfire and flood hazards across the high country.
Wildfire dominates Gilpin's hazard profile
Wildfire risk at 87.50 is Gilpin's primary concern, though it remains manageable given the county's low overall score. Earthquake risk (23.66) and tornado risk (15.87) are minimal by comparison.
Prepare for wildfire despite low overall risk
Even safe counties need targeted protection—ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Given Gilpin's mountain location, wildfire insurance riders are a practical investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gilpin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gilpin County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Gilpin County ranks at the 6th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 6th percentile nationally is an advantage for Gilpin County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gilpin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (16th percentile), flood (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Gilpin County sits at the 88th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Gilpin 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. The county's earthquake exposure at the 24th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Gilpin 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 34.3 points below the Colorado state average, Gilpin County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Gilpin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gilpin County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Gilpin County?
How does Gilpin County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Gilpin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Gilpin 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.