Morgan County Disaster Risk
Morgan County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morgan County, Colorado
Morgan County: Above Average But Manageable Risk
Morgan County's composite risk score of 51.94 exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category with above-average exposure to natural disasters. The county's eastern plains location creates distinct hazard patterns compared to Colorado's mountainous counties.
Above-Average Risk for Colorado
Morgan County's composite score of 51.94 ranks it above Colorado's state average of 40.67, among the higher-risk counties statewide. The county's plains geography and proximity to the South Platte River create flooding and severe weather vulnerabilities.
Tornado Risk Stands Out Regionally
Morgan County's tornado risk (66.54) far exceeds neighboring Otero County (33.27) and reflects its position on Colorado's eastern plains where severe thunderstorms routinely form. Wildfire risk (65.17) mirrors patterns across neighboring counties, though earthquake risk (39.98) remains moderate for the region.
Tornadoes Your Top Concern; Flooding Second
Tornado risk dominates at 66.54, making Morgan County one of Colorado's most tornado-exposed counties as severe storms regularly sweep across the plains. Flood risk at 55.82 ranks second, particularly threatening properties near the South Platte River and tributary valleys.
Tornado and Flood Insurance Are Essential
Morgan County residents should prioritize tornado-resistant home reinforcement and comprehensive homeowners coverage for wind and hail damage from severe storms. If your property is near any water body or in a FEMA flood zone, flood insurance is critical—many lenders require it.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morgan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morgan County
Risk Verdict
Morgan County ranks at the 52th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Morgan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Morgan County ranks at the 67th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Morgan County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Morgan County at the 65th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Morgan County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Colorado counties, Morgan County runs 11.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Morgan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morgan County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Morgan County?
How does Morgan County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Morgan County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Morgan 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.