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

Goshen County Disaster Risk

Goshen County, Wyoming

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

28th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#14

of 23 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

31th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Goshen County, Wyoming

Goshen maintains very low overall risk profile

Goshen County's composite risk score of 28.47 rates as very low and sits 25% below Wyoming's state average of 37.86. The county enjoys particularly low flood and earthquake exposure, though wildfire risk (72.61) remains moderate.

Among Wyoming's lower-risk counties

Goshen County ranks in the lower tier of Wyoming's 23 counties for disaster vulnerability. Low earthquake risk (38.87) and minimal flood exposure (31.01) contribute to the county's favorable risk profile.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Goshen County's composite score of 28.47 compares favorably to neighboring Crook County (16.06) and significantly undercuts the state average. The county's low earthquake and flood exposure distinguish it from higher-risk regions.

Wildfire and tornado present moderate concerns

Wildfire risk scores 72.61—the county's primary hazard—reflecting grassland exposure and seasonal fire activity. Tornado risk (47.01) ranks notably higher than many Wyoming counties, while earthquake (38.87) and flood (31.01) risks remain comparatively modest.

Verify wildfire and tornado coverage

Goshen County residents should confirm wildfire and hail/tornado coverage in their homeowners policies and maintain defensible space around properties. The county's relatively low earthquake and flood risks mean standard insurance typically provides adequate protection for those hazards.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Goshen County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    47th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    39th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Goshen County

Risk Verdict

Goshen County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 28th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Goshen County's favorable 28th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Goshen County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), flood (31th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 73th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Goshen County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 47th percentile nationally means Goshen County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Goshen County residents.

Regional Context

Goshen County falls 9.4 points below Wyoming's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Goshen 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 Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 28th 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 Goshen County?
Goshen County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (73th percentile), tornado (47th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), flooding (31th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 73th 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 Goshen County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Goshen County's composite risk percentile is 28th, compared to the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Goshen County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wyoming.
Is Goshen County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Goshen County's wildfire risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Goshen County is at the 31th 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 Goshen County a safe place to live?
Goshen County's composite risk score of 28th 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 73th 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.