Hot Springs County Disaster Risk
Hot Springs County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% 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 Hot Springs County, Wyoming
Hot Springs stays well below national risk
Hot Springs County's composite risk score of 16.09 places it in the Very Low category, substantially safer than the national average. This county faces roughly 57% less overall disaster risk than typical U.S. counties, making it one of Wyoming's more resilient communities.
Among Wyoming's safest counties
Hot Springs ranks in the lower half of Wyoming's natural disaster risk, with a score of 16.09 compared to the state average of 37.86. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure than most Wyoming communities, though wildfire and earthquake risks remain present.
Safer than nearby Washakie and Fremont
Hot Springs County's risk profile is notably lower than Johnson County (19.31) and Park County (57.73) to the north and east. Its combination of low flood (39.38) and tornado (11.39) risks gives it a distinct advantage in the region, though wildfire exposure (66.44) mirrors broader Rocky Mountain trends.
Wildfire and earthquake top the list
Wildfire risk scores 66.44 in Hot Springs, making it the county's most significant hazard despite overall low risk. Earthquakes rank second at 60.78, reflecting the county's location near the Wasatch fault zone, though both risks remain below national averages.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
While Hot Springs County's overall risk is low, homeowners should ensure their policies cover wildfire damage, which standard homeowners insurance often excludes or limits. Consider earthquake insurance given the county's proximity to seismic zones—it's affordable in lower-risk areas and protects against a significant, if infrequent, threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hot Springs County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hot Springs County
Risk Verdict
Hot Springs County's overall natural disaster score at the 16th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 16th percentile, Hot Springs County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hot Springs County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 66th percentile nationally, Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's earthquake exposure at the 61th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Hot Springs County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Hot Springs County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Hot Springs County's composite risk score sits 21.8 points below the Wyoming county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Hot Springs County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hot Springs County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Hot Springs County?
How does Hot Springs County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Hot Springs County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hot Springs 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.