San Juan County Disaster Risk
San Juan County, Utah
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 29 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% 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 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in San Juan County, Utah
San Juan County remains very low-risk
San Juan County's composite risk score of 26.81 places it well below the national average and in the very low risk category. Despite some localized hazard exposure, the county ranks among safer regions nationally.
Below-average risk across Utah
At 26.81, San Juan County scores comfortably below Utah's state average of 36.19. This positioning reflects relatively moderate exposure to most major disaster types.
Lower risk than Sanpete and Sevier
San Juan County's score of 26.81 sits lower than neighboring Sanpete County (38.61) and Sevier County (22.74). The variation reflects differences in elevation, proximity to water, and seismic activity.
Wildfire and earthquake dominate exposure
Wildfire risk (82.35) and earthquake risk (55.69) are San Juan County's primary concerns, while flood (23.95) and tornado risk (5.44) remain minimal. The combination reflects the county's high-desert plateau terrain and geological setting.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage matters most
Prioritize wildfire protection and earthquake insurance in San Juan County, as these represent your significant exposures. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover all wildfire damage, so verify your policy includes this protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in San Juan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: San Juan County
Risk Verdict
At the 27th percentile nationally, San Juan County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 27th percentile, San Juan County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is San Juan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (24th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
San Juan County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in San Juan County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 56th percentile nationally means San Juan County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. San Juan County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.4 points below the Utah state average puts San Juan County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for San Juan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in San Juan County, UT?
What types of natural hazards affect San Juan County?
How does San Juan County risk compare to the Utah average?
Is San Juan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is San Juan 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.