Piute County Disaster Risk
Piute County, Utah
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 29 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
3th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% 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 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Piute County, Utah
Piute County is Utah's safest region
Piute County's composite risk score of 0.89 is the lowest in Utah and represents exceptional safety compared to the national average. This remote south-central county experiences minimal exposure to natural disasters.
Lowest-risk county in entire state
Piute County ranks definitively as Utah's safest county for natural disaster exposure, with a score 40 points below the state average of 36.19. Its isolation and benign geography create unparalleled protection from hazards.
Dramatically safer than all surrounding areas
Piute's 0.89 score makes it far safer than neighboring Millard (22.17), Juab (15.30), and Sevier County. It represents the lowest-risk county in its entire region of southwestern and central Utah.
Wildfire only meaningful natural hazard
Wildfire risk scores 58.72, representing Piute County's only significant natural hazard exposure; all other risks score well below state averages. Flood (3.44), tornado (1.34), and earthquake (49.17) risks remain minimal in this remote location.
Minimal disaster insurance needs here
Piute County's exceptional safety means standard homeowners insurance provides substantial protection for most residents. Only those in wildland-prone areas need to consider wildfire riders; earthquake and flood coverage are unnecessary given the county's minimal exposure to these hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Piute County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Piute County
Risk Verdict
Piute County's overall natural disaster score at the 1th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 1th percentile national ranking is one lens; Piute County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Piute County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 59th percentile nationally, Piute County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Piute County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 49th percentile nationally means Piute County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Piute County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Piute County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Piute County's composite risk score sits 35.3 points below the Utah county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Piute County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Piute County, UT?
What types of natural hazards affect Piute County?
How does Piute County risk compare to the Utah average?
Is Piute County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Piute 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.