Huerfano County Disaster Risk
Huerfano County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% 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 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Huerfano County, Colorado
Huerfano faces low but real risk nationally
With a composite risk score of 24.24, Huerfano County falls below the national average and earns a "Very Low" rating. However, it carries meaningful exposure to wildfire and flood hazards regionally.
Below-average risk for Colorado
Huerfano's 24.24 score sits comfortably below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the safer tier of Colorado counties. This reflects its rural, lower-elevation character relative to mountain counties.
Safer than most, but not the safest
Huerfano's 24.24 score ranks it safer than Jefferson County (94.94) and Grand County (50.19), but riskier than neighboring Kiowa County (3.79). Regional variations reflect differences in fire exposure and flood exposure.
Wildfire is Huerfano's dominant concern
Wildfire risk (87.56) is exceptionally high for a county with low overall risk, dominating Huerfano's hazard profile. Flood risk (47.87) ranks second, while tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Prioritize wildfire coverage for this county
Despite the county's overall low risk, Huerfano residents should ensure wildfire protection through dedicated riders or separate policies. Properties in or near forested areas face concentrated wildfire exposure and warrant premium coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Huerfano County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Huerfano County
Risk Verdict
Huerfano County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 24th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Huerfano County's favorable 24th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Huerfano County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Huerfano County's primary hazard at the 88th percentile nationally. For Huerfano County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 48th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Huerfano County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Colorado county average, Huerfano County's composite score runs 16.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Huerfano County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Huerfano County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Huerfano County?
How does Huerfano County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Huerfano County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Huerfano 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.