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

Emery County Disaster Risk

Emery County, Utah

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

7th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#23

of 29 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

12th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Emery County, Utah

Emery County faces exceptionally low U.S. disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 7.00, Emery County ranks among America's safest counties from natural disasters, earning a 'Very Low' rating. Your county experiences minimal hazard exposure compared to virtually all U.S. communities.

Utah's lowest disaster risk county

Emery County's 7.00 score is the lowest in the state, trailing far below Utah's average of 36.19. You live in the safest natural disaster zone in Utah.

Safest in the southeastern Utah region

Emery County's 7.00 score is lower than Daggett (3.69) and substantially lower than Carbon and Duchesne counties. It anchors southeastern Utah's low-hazard cluster.

Earthquake presents your only meaningful risk

Earthquake risk at 65.97 is your sole concern; wildfire at 59.29 is also moderate. Flood (12.40) and tornado (5.06) risks are negligible.

Earthquake coverage offers prudent protection

Given your county's exceptionally low overall risk, earthquake insurance represents your most sensible coverage choice. Other specialized policies are unlikely necessary for most Emery County residents.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Emery County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    66th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    59th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    12th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Emery County

Risk Verdict

Emery County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 7th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Emery County's favorable 7th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Emery County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (12th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 66th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Emery County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's wildfire risk at the 59th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Emery County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.

Regional Context

Emery County falls 29.2 points below Utah's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Emery 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 Emery County, UT?
Emery County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 7th 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 Emery County?
Emery County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (66th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile), flooding (12th percentile), tornado (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 66th 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 Emery County risk compare to the Utah average?
Emery County's composite risk percentile is 7th, compared to the Utah state average of 36th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Emery County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Utah.
Is Emery County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Emery County's earthquake risk is at the 66th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Emery County is at the 12th 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 Emery County a safe place to live?
Emery County's composite risk score of 7th 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 earthquake at the 66th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.