Weld County Disaster Risk
Weld County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Weld County, Colorado
Weld ranks among America's highest-risk counties
Weld County scores 89.15, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and more than doubling the national average. The county faces the most comprehensive natural hazard exposure of any area analyzed here.
Colorado's riskiest county
Weld's 89.15 score is more than double the Colorado state average of 40.67, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county. Its risk profile stands apart across all major categories.
Significantly riskier than all adjacent counties
Weld dramatically outranks neighboring counties: Washington (11.99), Yuma (36.80), and even Summit County (60.21) are far safer. Its combination of plains hazards and urban exposure is unique in the region.
All hazards pose substantial threats
Weld faces elevated risk across all four measured hazard types: tornado (95.07), flood (88.45), wildfire (87.69), and earthquake (77.83). No single hazard dominates; residents face compound exposure.
Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential
Weld County residents should secure homeowner's policies covering wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Wildfire coverage should also be verified or added, and an evacuation plan for multiple hazard types is critical.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Weld County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Weld County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Weld County at the 89th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Weld County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (88th percentile), earthquake (78th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 95th percentile nationally, Weld County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Flood is the second hazard driver for Weld County at the 88th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Weld County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Weld County is 48.5 composite risk points above the Colorado average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Weld County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Weld County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Weld County?
How does Weld County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Weld County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Weld 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.