San Miguel County Disaster Risk
San Miguel County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% 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 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in San Miguel County, Colorado
San Miguel's risk is nearly half the national average
At 19.12, San Miguel County's composite risk score earns a Very Low rating and sits well below the national average. The county remains among America's safer jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure.
Mid-range risk within Colorado
San Miguel's 19.12 score is less than half the Colorado state average of 40.67, reflecting notably lower overall hazard exposure. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle tier among its peers statewide.
Less risky than mountain neighbors
San Miguel scores lower than Summit County (60.21) and Teller County (38.84), but higher than nearby San Juan (10.69) and Sedgwick (6.52). It represents a moderate risk profile for the southwestern Colorado region.
Wildfire dominates, followed by flooding
Wildfire risk (80.12) is San Miguel's primary concern, ranking very high on the county's hazard profile. Flooding (31.55) and earthquake (31.36) risks are moderate, while tornadoes (3.40) pose minimal threat.
Wildfire insurance is essential here
San Miguel's elevated wildfire score (80.12) makes it critical to ensure your homeowner's policy covers fire damage or to add a wildfire rider. Flood insurance is also advisable given moderate flood risk; residents in mapped flood zones should verify coverage through their lender or agent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in San Miguel County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: San Miguel County
Risk Verdict
San Miguel County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 19th percentile nationally. Even at the 19th percentile, San Miguel County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is San Miguel County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (31th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is San Miguel County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 80th percentile nationally. San Miguel County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's flood exposure at the 32th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For San Miguel County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Colorado county average exceeds San Miguel County's score by 21.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for San Miguel County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in San Miguel County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect San Miguel County?
How does San Miguel County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is San Miguel County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is San Miguel 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.