riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Carbon County Disaster Risk

Carbon County, Utah

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

9th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#21

of 29 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

23th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 23% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 67% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Carbon County, Utah

Carbon County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 8.68, Carbon County sits far below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating. Your county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities.

Well below Utah's average disaster risk

Carbon County's 8.68 score ranks significantly below Utah's state average of 36.19, placing it among the safest counties in the state. Only a handful of Utah counties face lower composite hazard exposure.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Carbon County's 8.68 score is lower than Emery, Daggett, and Duchesne counties in the immediate region. It represents one of eastern Utah's lowest-risk zones.

Wildfire and earthquake present modest threats

Wildfire risk is your primary concern at 66.83, while earthquake risk stands at 64.89. Flood and tornado risks are minimal, each scoring below 23.

Wildfire coverage offers the most value

While your overall risk is exceptionally low, wildfire insurance makes practical sense given your county's exposure level. Consider adding earthquake coverage as well for comprehensive protection at reasonable cost.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Carbon County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    67th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    65th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    23th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Carbon County

Risk Verdict

Carbon County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 9th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 9th percentile nationally is an advantage for Carbon County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Carbon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (23th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Carbon County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. Carbon 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. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 65th percentile nationally means Carbon County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Carbon 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 Utah county average exceeds Carbon County's score by 27.5 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Carbon County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Carbon County, UT?
Carbon County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 9th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Carbon County?
Carbon County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (67th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile), flooding (23th percentile), tornado (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 67th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Carbon County risk compare to the Utah average?
Carbon County's composite risk percentile is 9th, compared to the Utah state average of 36th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Carbon County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Utah.
Is Carbon County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Carbon County's wildfire risk is at the 67th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Carbon County is at the 23th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Carbon County a safe place to live?
Carbon County's composite risk score of 9th percentile is below the Utah state average of 36th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 67th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Duchesne County

Utah

-1.1

Very Low

8th percentile

Grand County

Utah

+1.6

Very Low

10th percentile

Emery County

Utah

-1.7

Very Low

7th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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