Grand County Disaster Risk
Grand County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grand County, Colorado
Grand County faces moderate national risk levels
With a composite risk score of 50.19, Grand County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating. This reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and flood.
Above-average risk for Colorado
Grand's 50.19 score places it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it one of the state's more at-risk counties. Its proximity to wilderness and river systems drives higher hazard exposure.
Riskier than high-altitude neighbor Hinsdale
Grand County's 50.19 score significantly exceeds Hinsdale County's 1.02—one of the state's safest areas. However, it aligns more closely with nearby Gunnison County (44.97), reflecting shared mountain geography.
Wildfire and flood are dual threats
Grand faces substantial wildfire risk (78.53) and flood risk (62.37), both well above national norms. Earthquake risk (46.63) and tornado risk (26.14) add secondary concerns across different seasons.
Bundle wildfire and flood coverage
Standard homeowner policies may exclude wildfire and flood—Grand County residents should verify separate riders or policies for both hazards. Consider elevation, proximity to water, and forest cover when selecting coverage limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grand County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grand County
Risk Verdict
Grand County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 50th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Grand County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Grand County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for wildfire, Grand County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 62th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Grand County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.5 points above the Colorado state average puts Grand County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Grand County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grand County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Grand County?
How does Grand County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Grand County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Grand 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.