Routt County Disaster Risk
Routt County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Routt County, Colorado
Routt County's favorable risk profile
Routt County's composite risk score of 33.37 earns a "Very Low" rating and sits well below the national average. The county offers lower natural disaster exposure than most American counties.
Among Colorado's safest counties
Routt County's score of 33.37 falls below Colorado's state average of 40.67, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure significantly better than the Colorado norm.
One of region's safer areas
Routt County (33.37) faces lower risk than Pitkin County (54.10) and Prowers County (48.60), though slightly higher than Rio Blanco County (37.60). The county's northwest position offers strong protection compared to surrounding regions.
Wildfire is main concern
Wildfire risk (80.50) stands as Routt County's primary hazard, ranking among Colorado's highest, while earthquake risk (47.04) presents a secondary threat. Flood risk (57.51) is moderate, and tornado risk (4.29) is minimal.
Focus on wildfire preparation
Routt County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with comprehensive wildfire coverage and maintain substantial defensible space around properties. Regular vegetation management and emergency evacuation planning provide essential protection in this low-risk but wildfire-exposed area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Routt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Routt County
Risk Verdict
Routt County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 33th percentile nationally is an advantage for Routt County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Routt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Routt 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. The county's flood exposure at the 58th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Routt County residents.
Regional Context
Routt County falls 7.3 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 Routt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Routt County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Routt County?
How does Routt County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Routt County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Routt 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.