Montrose County Disaster Risk
Montrose County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Montrose County, Colorado
Montrose County Edges Above U.S. Average
Montrose County's composite risk score of 49.01 slightly exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but indicating above-average natural disaster exposure. The county's location in Colorado's western plateau zone creates concentrated risks from multiple hazard types.
Higher-Risk Half of Colorado Counties
Montrose County's score of 49.01 ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it in the top tier of state counties for overall disaster risk. The county's mountainous terrain and seismic activity drive this elevated ranking.
Comparable Risk to Montezuma; Notably Higher Than Ouray
Montrose and Montezuma counties share similar overall risk profiles (49.01 vs 47.61), with both facing major wildfire and earthquake threats. Neighboring Ouray County's much lower score (17.72) reflects its smaller population and different hazard exposure.
Earthquake Risk Highest; Wildfire Also Significant
Earthquake risk dominates at 77.29—the highest hazard score for Montrose County—reflecting its proximity to major seismic zones in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Wildfire at 78.56 presents nearly equivalent risk, while flood (67.43) and tornado (8.91) threats remain secondary.
Earthquake Coverage Is Critical Priority
Montrose County homeowners must secure standalone earthquake insurance, as it's excluded from standard policies and your home's earthquake risk (77.29) is among Colorado's highest. Also ensure wildfire coverage and review flood insurance options based on your property's location relative to FEMA flood zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Montrose County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Montrose County
Risk Verdict
Montrose County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. A 49th percentile score positions Montrose County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Montrose County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Montrose County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 79th percentile nationally. Montrose 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. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 77th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Montrose 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
Montrose County's composite risk score sits 8.3 points above the Colorado county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Montrose County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Montrose County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Montrose County?
How does Montrose County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Montrose County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Montrose County higher risk than average?
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.