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

Crook County Disaster Risk

Crook County, Wyoming

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

16th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#21

of 23 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

20th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 22% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 29% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Crook County, Wyoming

Crook enjoys the state's lowest risk profile

Crook County's composite risk score of 16.06 represents the lowest in Wyoming—well below the state average of 37.86. The county faces minimal exposure to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, though wildfire risk (85.05) requires ongoing attention.

Wyoming's safest county for disaster risk

Crook County ranks first among Wyoming's 23 counties for overall resilience, with a composite score substantially lower than any peer. Exceptionally low earthquake (29.20), flood (20.13), and tornado (22.20) risks contribute to this favorable standing.

Safest option among surrounding counties

Crook County's risk score of 16.06 significantly undercuts neighboring Converse County (31.42) and Big Horn County (31.14). The county offers unusually low exposure to multiple hazard types compared to other Wyoming regions.

Wildfire is Crook's lone significant threat

Wildfire risk scores 85.05—the only substantial hazard in Crook County—reflecting grassland and forest exposure. All other hazards rank among Wyoming's lowest: earthquakes (29.20), tornadoes (22.20), and floods (20.13).

Wildfire coverage is your primary priority

Crook County residents should ensure comprehensive wildfire and brush coverage in their policies and maintain robust defensible space around homes. The county's exceptionally low exposure to other hazards means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate earthquake and flood protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Crook County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    29th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    22th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Crook County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Crook County ranks at the 16th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. The 16th percentile national ranking is one lens; Crook County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Crook County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (22th percentile), flood (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Crook County sits at the 85th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Crook County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's earthquake exposure at the 29th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Crook County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.

Regional Context

At 21.8 points below the Wyoming state average, Crook County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Crook 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 Crook County, WY?
Crook County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 16th 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 Crook County?
Crook County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (85th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile), tornado (22th percentile), flooding (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 85th 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 Crook County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Crook County's composite risk percentile is 16th, compared to the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Crook County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wyoming.
Is Crook County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Crook County's wildfire risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Crook County is at the 20th 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 Crook County a safe place to live?
Crook County's composite risk score of 16th 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 85th 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.