Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Colorado
Lincoln County sits among America's safest
With a composite risk score of just 7.47 and a Very Low rating, Lincoln County ranks in the lowest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. This exceptional safety reflects a combination of geography, climate, and relative isolation from major hazard zones.
Colorado's safest county by composite risk
Lincoln County's 7.47 score is the lowest in the entire state—dramatically below Colorado's 40.67 average. This ranking reflects minimal exposure across the full spectrum of natural disasters compared to virtually all other Colorado communities.
Far safer than surrounding high-plains areas
Lincoln (7.47) faces a tiny fraction of the risk in Logan County (58.75) to the north and Kit Carson (32.47) to the east. Its position as Colorado's lowest-risk county reflects relative protection from flooding, wildfire, tornado, and seismic activity.
Wildfire the only notable hazard exposure
Wildfire risk scores 58.43—Lincoln's highest hazard—though still moderate in absolute terms and reflecting the county's grassland and semi-arid landscape. All other hazards score significantly lower, with tornadoes at 25.06 and earthquakes at 18.58 remaining minimal concerns.
Basic coverage adequate for most residents
Lincoln County's exceptionally low-risk profile means standard homeowner insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Consider adding wildfire coverage as an affordable supplement given the county's landscape, and maintain routine roof and gutter maintenance to minimize fire risk from external sources.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
At the 7th percentile nationally, Lincoln County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 7th percentile, Lincoln County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), flood (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lincoln County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Lincoln County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 25th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Lincoln County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.2 points below the Colorado state average puts Lincoln County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lincoln 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.