Gunnison County Disaster Risk
Gunnison County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gunnison County, Colorado
Gunnison sits slightly above national average risk
With a composite risk score of 44.97, Gunnison County exceeds the national baseline and carries a "Relatively Low" rating. Its mountain terrain and wildland interface create above-average exposure to multiple hazards.
Mid-tier risk among Colorado counties
Gunnison's 44.97 score ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for the state. This reflects typical mountain county hazard patterns.
Similar risk to neighboring mountain counties
Gunnison's risk level closely mirrors nearby Grand County (50.19) and contrasts sharply with ultra-safe Hinsdale County (1.02). The variation demonstrates how geology and geography dramatically alter disaster exposure within close proximity.
Wildfire and flood drive Gunnison's risk
Wildfire risk (70.20) and flood risk (57.03) are Gunnison's primary hazards, reflecting the county's river valleys and forested slopes. Tornado risk is minimal (6.17), while earthquake risk (41.19) remains moderate.
Secure wildfire and flood insurance now
Gunnison residents should verify wildfire and flood coverage separately from standard homeowner policies, as most exclude these perils. Properties near rivers or in forest zones face compounded risk and warrant comprehensive coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gunnison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gunnison County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 45th, Gunnison County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. The 45th percentile national ranking is one lens; Gunnison County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gunnison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (41th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 70th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Gunnison County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary flood exposure at the 57th percentile nationally means Gunnison County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Gunnison County residents.
Regional Context
Gunnison County tracks the Colorado county average closely, sitting 4.3 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Colorado.
Is your household prepared for Gunnison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gunnison County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Gunnison County?
How does Gunnison County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Gunnison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gunnison 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.