Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Colorado
Washington County's risk is well below national average
Washington County scores 11.99 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it safely below the national average. The county ranks among America's safest jurisdictions.
Among Colorado's lowest-risk counties
Washington's 11.99 score is less than 30% of the Colorado state average of 40.67, ranking it in the safest tier statewide. Only Sedgwick County (6.52) rates lower across the state.
Safest county in the northeast region
Washington outranks Yuma County (36.80) and most other neighbors, trailing only Sedgwick. It represents one of the High Plains' most secure disaster risk profiles.
Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats
Wildfire (60.46) and tornado (32.22) represent Washington's highest individual risk scores, though both remain moderate in statewide context. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal.
Standard coverage meets most needs
Washington County's low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides adequate protection for most hazards. However, reviewing wind and hail coverage for tornado exposure is prudent, especially in spring and early summer.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 12th percentile nationally. Washington County residents can take confidence from a 12th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), flood (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 60th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Washington 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 32th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. 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 Washington County residents.
Regional Context
Washington County falls 28.7 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 Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Washington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.