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

Converse County Disaster Risk

Converse County, Wyoming

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

31th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#11

of 23 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

40th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 40% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 55% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Converse County, Wyoming

Converse sits safely below state average

Converse County's composite risk score of 31.42 rates as very low and sits 17% below Wyoming's state average of 37.86. Wildfire exposure (91.09) stands out as notably elevated, contrasting with lower tornado and flood risks.

Among Wyoming's safest counties overall

Converse ranks in the lower half of Wyoming's 23 counties for disaster vulnerability. The county's very low composite score reflects particularly minimal flood (40.36) and tornado (24.20) exposure, balanced against moderate wildfire risk.

Comparable risk to Big Horn and Crook

Converse County's risk profile aligns closely with neighboring Big Horn County (31.14) and Crook County (16.06). The county benefits from significantly lower risk than Campbell County (56.14) to the north.

Wildfire is Converse's dominant hazard

Wildfire risk scores 91.09—among the state's highest—despite the county's overall low composite risk. Earthquake risk (55.28) and tornado risk (24.20) present secondary concerns, with flood risk relatively modest at 40.36.

Prioritize wildfire protection immediately

Converse County residents should confirm wildfire and brush coverage in their homeowners policies and invest in defensible space maintenance around properties. Earthquake insurance represents an additional prudent safeguard, despite lower comparative risk in that category.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Converse County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    55th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    40th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Converse County

Risk Verdict

At the 31th percentile nationally, Converse County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 31th percentile nationally, Converse County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Converse County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), tornado (24th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Converse County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Converse County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 55th percentile nationally means Converse County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Converse 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 6.4 points below the Wyoming state average puts Converse County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Converse 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 Converse County, WY?
Converse County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 31th 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 Converse County?
Converse County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (91th percentile), earthquake (55th percentile), flooding (40th percentile), tornado (24th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 91th 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 Converse County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Converse County's composite risk percentile is 31th, compared to the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Converse County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wyoming.
Is Converse County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Converse County's wildfire risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Converse County is at the 40th 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.
Is Converse County a safe place to live?
Converse County's composite risk score of 31th percentile is below the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 91th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.