Rio Blanco County Disaster Risk
Rio Blanco County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rio Blanco County, Colorado
Rio Blanco County's risk profile
Rio Blanco County's composite risk score of 37.60 earns a "Very Low" rating and sits slightly below the national average. The county offers relatively safer conditions compared to most American regions.
Below-average risk for Colorado
Rio Blanco County's score of 37.60 sits slightly below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's lower-risk counties. The county's natural disaster exposure is more favorable than most Colorado regions.
Safer than nearby counties
Rio Blanco County (37.60) faces lower risk than Pitkin County (54.10) and Prowers County (48.60), but slightly higher than Routt County (33.37). The county's northwest location offers more protection than surrounding areas.
Wildfire is primary concern
Wildfire risk (91.63) dominates Rio Blanco County's hazard profile, ranking among Colorado's highest despite the county's overall low composite score. Earthquake risk (40.65) and flood risk (50.99) present secondary concerns, while tornado risk (3.72) is negligible.
Prioritize wildfire protection
Rio Blanco County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wildfire coverage and ensure substantial defensible space around properties. Regular vegetation management and home hardening are essential investments in this low-risk but wildfire-exposed county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rio Blanco County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rio Blanco County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Rio Blanco County ranks at the 38th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Rio Blanco County can use the 38th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Rio Blanco County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (41th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Rio Blanco County sits at the 92th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Rio Blanco County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 51th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Rio Blanco County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
Rio Blanco County sits within 3.1 composite points of the Colorado state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Rio Blanco County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rio Blanco County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Rio Blanco County?
How does Rio Blanco County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Rio Blanco County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rio Blanco 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.