Hinsdale County Disaster Risk
Hinsdale County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hinsdale County, Colorado
Hinsdale County ranks safest nationwide
With a composite risk score of just 1.02, Hinsdale County is among America's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters. Its "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to the full spectrum of hazards.
Colorado's safest county by far
Hinsdale's 1.02 score is dramatically lower than Colorado's state average of 40.67, making it the state's safest county overall. High elevation and sparse development contribute to this exceptional safety profile.
Dramatically safer than surrounding counties
Hinsdale's 1.02 score vastly undercuts neighboring Gunnison County (44.97) and Grand County (50.19). Its isolated, high-altitude location provides natural protection unavailable to lower-elevation neighbors.
Wildfire poses minimal but measurable risk
Even in the nation's safest county, wildfire risk (50.19) slightly outpaces other hazards, though at levels far below state norms. Flood, earthquake, and tornado risks are all exceptionally low.
Standard coverage likely sufficient here
Hinsdale County's exceptional risk profile means basic homeowner insurance typically provides adequate protection for natural disasters. Still, verify your policy includes wildfire coverage, as it remains the relative priority even in safe counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hinsdale County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hinsdale County
Risk Verdict
Hinsdale County's overall natural disaster score at the 1th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 1th percentile, Hinsdale County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hinsdale County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 9th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (7th percentile), tornado (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 50th percentile nationally, Hinsdale County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Hinsdale County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's earthquake exposure at the 9th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Hinsdale County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Hinsdale County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Hinsdale County's composite risk score sits 39.7 points below the Colorado county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Hinsdale County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hinsdale County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Hinsdale County?
How does Hinsdale County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Hinsdale County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hinsdale 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.