Summit County Disaster Risk
Summit County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% 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 Summit County, Colorado
Summit's mountain hazards elevate national risk ranking
Summit County scores 60.21, earning a Relatively Low rating but placing it significantly above the national average. The county's high elevation and mountain geography drive exposure to multiple hazard types.
Higher risk than most Colorado counties
Summit's 60.21 score exceeds Colorado's state average of 40.67, ranking it in the upper half of Colorado counties. Its mountain terrain and ski-resort infrastructure create unique hazard concentrations.
Riskier than most mountain neighbors
Summit ranks higher than San Juan (10.69) and San Miguel (19.12), but lower than Weld County (89.15). It faces notably higher exposure than surrounding rural counties due to elevation and topography.
Flooding and wildfire top the list
Flood risk (65.43) is Summit's dominant hazard, driven by snowmelt and mountain runoff, followed by wildfire (53.56) and earthquake (46.95). Tornado risk remains lower at 21.79.
Flood and wildfire coverage are critical
Summit County residents should prioritize flood insurance—standard homeowner's policies exclude flooding, and mountain properties face substantial snowmelt and runoff risk. Wildfire coverage is equally essential; ensure your policy includes fire damage or add a rider, particularly if you're near forested areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Summit County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Summit County
Risk Verdict
Summit County's FEMA risk score places it at the 60th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Summit County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 65th percentile nationally for flood risk, Summit County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 54th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Summit County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Colorado county average is 19.5 composite points below Summit County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Summit County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Summit County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Summit County?
How does Summit County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Summit County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Summit County higher risk than average?
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.