riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jackson County Disaster Risk

Jackson County, Colorado

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

12th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#50

of 64 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

6th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Colorado

Jackson County is exceptionally safe

With a composite risk score of 11.77, Jackson County sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This makes it one of the country's safest counties for natural disasters.

Colorado's third-safest county

Jackson's 11.77 score ranks it among Colorado's safest counties, far below the state average of 40.67. Only Hinsdale (1.02) and Kiowa (3.79) exceed its safety profile.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Jackson's 11.77 score significantly undercuts nearby Grand County (50.19) and Gunnison County (44.97), reflecting its lower elevation and drier character. Its isolated location in the state's northeast contributes to hazard protection.

Wildfire and earthquake pose minor risks

Wildfire risk (23.98) and earthquake risk (18.07) are Jackson's primary hazards, yet both remain well below regional and national averages. Tornado (3.37) and flood (5.82) risks are minimal.

Basic coverage provides solid protection

Jackson County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowner insurance typically covers your needs adequately. Still, review wildfire coverage to ensure your policy extends to this lower-risk but present hazard.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jackson County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    24th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    18th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    6th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Jackson County

Risk Verdict

Jackson County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 12th percentile nationally. At the 12th percentile, Jackson County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 24th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (6th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Jackson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 24th percentile nationally. Jackson County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 18th percentile nationally means Jackson County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Jackson County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.

Regional Context

The Colorado county average exceeds Jackson County's score by 28.9 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, CO?
Jackson County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 12th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
Jackson County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (24th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), flooding (6th percentile), tornado (3th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 24th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Jackson County's composite risk percentile is 12th, compared to the Colorado state average of 41th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Jackson County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Colorado.
Is Jackson County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Jackson County's wildfire risk is at the 24th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Jackson County is at the 6th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Jackson County a safe place to live?
Jackson County's composite risk score of 12th percentile is below the Colorado state average of 41th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 24th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Washington County

Colorado

+0.2

Very Low

12th percentile

Moffat County

Colorado

+0.3

Very Low

12th percentile

Dolores County

Colorado

-0.4

Very Low

11th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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