Moffat County Disaster Risk
Moffat County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Moffat County, Colorado
Moffat County's Risk: Low but Concentrated
Moffat County's composite risk score of 12.05 earns a "Very Low" rating, well below national averages and reflecting its remote northwestern Colorado location. However, this aggregate masks significant variation—wildfire risk in particular stands out as a genuine regional concern.
Among Colorado's Safer Counties Overall
Moffat County ranks among Colorado's lowest-risk counties with a composite score of 12.05, less than one-third the state average of 40.67. Its position reflects limited urban development and relatively sparse tornado and flood exposure.
Wildfire Risk Shared With Region
Moffat County's wildfire risk score of 87.47 mirrors the elevated exposure seen in neighboring counties like Montezuma (93.61) and Park (94.88), part of a broader pattern across Colorado's forested highlands. Earthquake risk at 49.71 is notably higher than Mineral or Ouray counties to the south, reflecting proximity to seismic zones.
Wildfire Dominates; Earthquake Secondary
Wildfire risk at 87.47 is Moffat County's overwhelming concern, reflecting forest coverage and dry conditions across northwestern Colorado. Earthquake risk of 49.71 ranks second, while tornado (2.70) and flood (30.69) risks remain relatively modest.
Wildfire Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Moffat County residents must prioritize wildfire coverage, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude or severely limit wildfire damage claims. Supplemental wildfire insurance, combined with defensible space maintenance around your home, is essential given the county's 87.47 wildfire risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Moffat County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Moffat County
Risk Verdict
Moffat County's overall natural disaster score at the 12th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Moffat County residents can take confidence from a 12th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Moffat County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (31th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 87th percentile nationally, Moffat 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 Moffat County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 50th percentile nationally means Moffat County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Moffat County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Moffat County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Moffat County's composite risk score sits 28.6 points below the Colorado county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Moffat County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Moffat County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Moffat County?
How does Moffat County risk compare to the Colorado average?
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Is Moffat 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.