Carbon County Disaster Risk
Carbon County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% 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 9% 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 Carbon County, Wyoming
Carbon's risk slightly below state average
Carbon County's composite risk score of 42.68 rates as very low and sits slightly above Wyoming's state average of 37.86. Wildfire exposure (81.90) and moderate earthquake risk (60.69) define the county's hazard profile.
Below-average vulnerability within Wyoming
Carbon County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Wyoming's 23 counties for disaster risk. The county benefits from very low tornado risk (8.62)—among the state's lowest—while facing moderate wildfire and earthquake exposure.
Safer than Fremont, comparable to Albany
Carbon County's risk profile sits substantially below neighboring Fremont County (59.73) and moderately below Albany County (48.47). The county's notably low tornado risk (8.62) differentiates it favorably from higher-tornado-risk areas.
Wildfires and earthquakes define Carbon's threats
Wildfire risk scores 81.90—substantial and among the county's primary concerns—reflecting significant forest exposure. Earthquake risk (60.69) and flood risk (50.35) present secondary hazards, while tornado risk remains exceptionally low at 8.62.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage are essential
Residents should prioritize wildfire insurance with explicit brush and forest coverage, plus maintain defensible space around structures. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the 60.69 score; standard homeowners policies typically exclude seismic damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carbon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carbon County
Risk Verdict
Carbon County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 43th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 43th percentile nationally is an advantage for Carbon County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Carbon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (50th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Carbon County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 82th percentile nationally. Carbon 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. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 61th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Carbon 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
At just 4.8 composite points from the Wyoming average, Carbon County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Carbon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carbon County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Carbon County?
How does Carbon County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Carbon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carbon County higher risk than average?
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.