Big Horn County Disaster Risk
Big Horn County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Big Horn County, Wyoming
Big Horn ranks safest in state disaster risk
Big Horn County's composite risk score of 31.14 places it in the very low category and sits below Wyoming's state average of 37.86. The county enjoys comparatively lower exposure to most natural hazards, though wildfire and earthquake risks warrant attention.
Wyoming's most resilient county overall
Big Horn ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wyoming, with a composite score significantly below the state average. This favorable standing reflects particularly low tornado exposure (16.73) and moderate risk across other hazard categories.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Big Horn's very low risk score contrasts sharply with adjacent Campbell County (56.14) and the state average (37.86). The county's relative safety makes it an attractive option for residents concerned about natural disaster exposure.
Wildfire and earthquake pose primary concerns
Despite overall low risk, Big Horn faces wildfire exposure (61.35) and earthquake risk (61.35)—both identical and moderate. Flood risk (52.42) and particularly low tornado risk (16.73) round out the county's hazard landscape.
Focus on wildfire and earthquake preparedness
Residents should maintain adequate wildfire insurance and develop defensible space around homes, especially in forested areas. Standard homeowners policies often exclude earthquake damage, making dedicated earthquake coverage a smart consideration for Big Horn residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Big Horn County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Big Horn County
Risk Verdict
Big Horn County's overall natural disaster score at the 31th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Big Horn County can use the 31th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Big Horn County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), tornado (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 61th percentile nationally, Big Horn 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 Big Horn County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 61th percentile nationally means Big Horn 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 Big Horn County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Big Horn County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Big Horn County's composite risk score sits 6.7 points below the Wyoming county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Big Horn County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Big Horn County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Big Horn County?
How does Big Horn County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Big Horn County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Big Horn 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.