Phillips County Disaster Risk
Phillips County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Phillips County, Colorado
Phillips County's risk picture
Phillips County's composite risk score of 12.34 puts it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to natural disasters than most American counties.
Among Colorado's safest counties
With a composite score of 12.34, Phillips County ranks among Colorado's lowest-risk counties—substantially below the state average of 40.67. This positions the county as one of the more resilient areas in Colorado.
Safer than surrounding areas
Phillips County's score of 12.34 is notably lower than nearby Prowers County (48.60) and Rio Blanco County (37.60). The county's low-risk profile makes it one of the safest places in northeastern Colorado.
Main hazards to monitor
Tornado risk (32.95) and wildfire risk (31.52) pose the most significant natural disaster threats in Phillips County, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk (8.27) is minimal, reflecting the county's geographic and climate advantages.
Smart coverage for Phillips County
While overall risk is low, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance and consider coverage for tornado and wildfire damage. Regular home maintenance and awareness of weather alerts provide essential protection in this low-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Phillips County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Phillips County
Risk Verdict
Phillips County's overall natural disaster score at the 12th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Phillips County's favorable 12th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Phillips County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (21th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 33th percentile nationally, Phillips County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 32th percentile nationally means Phillips County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Phillips County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Phillips County's composite risk score sits 28.3 points below the Colorado county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Phillips County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Phillips County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Phillips County?
How does Phillips County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Phillips County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Phillips 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.