Ouray County Disaster Risk
Ouray County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ouray County, Colorado
Ouray County's Risk: Well Below National Average
Ouray County's composite risk score of 17.72 places it in the "Very Low" category, roughly one-third the national average natural disaster risk. The county's small, mountainous geography and limited development create one of Colorado's safest natural disaster profiles.
Among Colorado's Lowest-Risk Counties
Ouray County's composite score of 17.72 ranks it among Colorado's safest counties, well below the state average of 40.67. Only Mineral County scores lower, reflecting Ouray's remote San Juan Mountains location and sparse population.
Significantly Safer Than Surrounding Counties
Ouray County's 17.72 score stands well below neighboring Montrose (49.01) and Montezuma (47.61) counties, roughly one-third their risk levels. This dramatic difference reflects Ouray's higher elevation, smaller population, and lower exposure to flood and tornado hazards.
Wildfire Your Primary Risk; Earthquake Secondary
Wildfire risk at 71.85 is Ouray County's highest hazard score, reflecting forest coverage in the San Juan Mountains, though overall county risk remains very low. Earthquake risk (27.93) ranks second, while tornado (2.64) and flood (24.68) risks are minimal.
Wildfire Coverage Recommended Despite Low Risk
Even in low-risk Ouray County, homeowners in or near forested areas should add wildfire coverage to their policies, as standard homeowners insurance excludes this peril. Earthquake insurance is optional given your county's 27.93 earthquake score, but worth evaluating if your home is older or in a seismic zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ouray County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ouray County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Ouray County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 18th percentile. The 18th percentile national ranking is one lens; Ouray County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ouray County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 72th percentile nationally for wildfire, Ouray County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 28th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Ouray County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Ouray County is 23.0 composite risk points below the Colorado state mean, meaning most other Colorado counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Ouray County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ouray County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Ouray County?
How does Ouray County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Ouray County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ouray 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.