Las Animas County Disaster Risk
Las Animas County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Las Animas County, Colorado
Las Animas ranks among America's lowest-risk counties
With a composite risk score of 23.63 and a Very Low rating, Las Animas County sits well below the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This safety profile reflects geographic features and climate patterns that limit exposure to major hazards.
Lower-middle tier for Colorado risk
Las Animas' 23.63 score falls well below Colorado's 40.67 state average, placing it in the safer half of Colorado's counties. While the state contains higher-risk areas, Las Animas residents enjoy below-average disaster exposure across most hazard categories.
Safer than La Plata, riskier than Lake County
Las Animas (23.63) faces substantially less risk than neighboring La Plata (75.16) to the west, though more than Lake County (5.66) to the north. It represents a middle ground among southwestern Colorado's mountain communities in terms of disaster exposure.
Wildfire dominates local risk profile
Wildfire risk scores 91.83—exceptional in the state and the clear outlier in Las Animas' risk profile—reflecting dense forests and rugged terrain. Flood risk at 36.26 is moderate; tornadoes are uncommon at 14.09, and earthquakes at 26.69 remain relatively low.
Prioritize wildfire insurance above all else
Given wildfire's dominant role in Las Animas' risk profile, homeowners should invest in comprehensive coverage that includes structure, contents, and living expenses during evacuation. Maintain defensible space around your home, create an evacuation plan with your family, and keep important documents and photos in a fireproof safe.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Las Animas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Las Animas County
Risk Verdict
Las Animas County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 24th percentile nationally. The 24th percentile national ranking is one lens; Las Animas County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Las Animas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (27th percentile), tornado (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Las Animas County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 92th percentile nationally. Las Animas 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. The county's flood exposure at the 36th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Las Animas 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 Las Animas County's score by 17.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Las Animas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Las Animas County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Las Animas County?
How does Las Animas County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Las Animas County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Las Animas 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.