Park County Disaster Risk
Park County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Park County, Colorado
Park County's Risk: Low, Below National Average
Park County's composite risk score of 22.20 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's mountainous central Colorado location provides protection from many widespread hazards, though some risks remain concentrated.
Among Colorado's Safer Counties
Park County's score of 22.20 ranks it among Colorado's lower-risk counties, well below the state average of 40.67. The county benefits from its high-elevation location and limited urban sprawl in hazard-prone areas.
Similar Safety Profile to Ouray and Mineral
Park County's 22.20 score sits between Ouray (17.72) and the state average, reflecting its slightly larger population and development compared to Ouray but still among Colorado's safer counties. Neighboring counties in the plains (Morgan, Otero) score significantly higher due to tornado and flood exposure.
Wildfire Dominates; Tornado Secondary
Wildfire risk stands highest at 94.88—Park County's most significant hazard—reflecting extensive forest coverage across the central mountains, though overall county risk remains low. Tornado risk (19.21) ranks second, while earthquake (30.03) and flood (21.82) risks remain modest.
Prioritize Wildfire Insurance Coverage
Park County homeowners, especially those in or near forested areas, must add wildfire insurance to their policies, as it's excluded from standard coverage and your county's wildfire risk (94.88) is among Colorado's highest. Review your property's elevation and proximity to forests when evaluating earthquake and flood insurance options.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Park County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Park County
Risk Verdict
Park County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 22th percentile nationally. Even at the 22th percentile, Park County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Park County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), tornado (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Park County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 30th percentile nationally means Park County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Park County residents.
Regional Context
Park County falls 18.5 points below Colorado's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Park County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Park County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Park County?
How does Park County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Park County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Park 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.