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

Utah County Disaster Risk

Utah County, Utah

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

95th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 29 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

90th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 99% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 53% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 99% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Utah County, Utah

Utah County faces high disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 95.32, Utah County ranks in the relatively high category—well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding that demand serious preparedness planning.

Second-riskiest county in Utah

Utah County's score of 95.32 far exceeds the state average of 36.19, making it the second-most hazard-prone county in Utah. Only one other county in the state faces comparable natural disaster risk.

Higher risk than surrounding areas

Utah County's composite score of 95.32 significantly outpaces nearby Wasatch County (33.52) and Weber County (87.02). Your county faces notably more concentrated hazard exposure than most neighboring communities.

Earthquakes and wildfires top concerns

Earthquake risk dominates at 98.82, while wildfire risk follows closely at 98.86—both among the highest in the nation for these hazards. Flood risk is also substantial at 90.49, creating a triple threat that affects property, lives, and infrastructure.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes or wildfires, so Utah County residents should purchase separate policies for these critical risks. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is essential given your county's 90.49 flood risk score.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Utah County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    99th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    90th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Utah County

Risk Verdict

Utah County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Utah County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (90th percentile), tornado (53th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Utah County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 99th percentile nationally. Utah 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 99th percentile nationally means Utah County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Utah 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

Utah County's composite risk score sits 59.1 points above the Utah county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Utah 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 Utah County, UT?
Utah County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 95th 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 Utah County?
Utah County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (99th percentile), earthquake (99th percentile), flooding (90th percentile), tornado (53th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 99th 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 Utah County risk compare to the Utah average?
Utah County's composite risk percentile is 95th, compared to the Utah state average of 36th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Utah County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Utah.
Is Utah County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Utah County's wildfire risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Utah County is at the 90th 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.
Why is Utah County higher risk than average?
Utah County's composite risk score of 95th percentile is above the Utah state average of 36th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by wildfire exposure (99th percentile), along with earthquake and flooding and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Washington County

Utah

-2.5

Relatively Moderate

93th percentile

Salt Lake County

Utah

+3.2

Relatively High

99th percentile

Davis County

Utah

-7.5

Relatively Moderate

88th 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.

Explore more data for Utah County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score