Laramie County Disaster Risk
Laramie County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Laramie County, Wyoming
Laramie faces elevated national disaster risk
Laramie County's composite risk score of 76.69 places it well above the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating but indicating notably higher hazard exposure. The county experiences roughly double the disaster risk of the safest U.S. counties.
Laramie ranks as Wyoming's riskiest county
With a score of 76.69, Laramie County faces the highest composite disaster risk in Wyoming—more than double the state average of 37.86. This elevation reflects the county's exposure across multiple hazards, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.
Significantly riskier than neighboring counties
Laramie County's 76.69 score vastly exceeds Hot Springs (16.09), Johnson (19.31), and Platte (25.73) counties. The county's unique risk profile stems from extreme tornado exposure (88.36) combined with wildfire (91.86) and earthquake (69.97) risks that dwarf those of surrounding areas.
Tornadoes and wildfires create double threat
Tornado risk reaches 88.36 in Laramie County—the highest in Wyoming and among the nation's most dangerous areas—while wildfire exposure also peaks at 91.86. Together, these hazards account for the county's elevated overall risk, though floods (66.95) and earthquakes (69.97) also require attention.
Prepare for severe weather and fire
Laramie County residents must prioritize comprehensive coverage including tornado/hail, wildfire, and flood insurance—standard policies often exclude or limit these perils. Consider a storm shelter or reinforced safe room given the county's extreme tornado exposure; this infrastructure investment can save lives during the most dangerous storms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Laramie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Laramie County
Risk Verdict
Laramie County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Laramie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (70th percentile), flood (67th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Laramie County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 92th percentile nationally. Laramie 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 88th percentile nationally means Laramie County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Laramie 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
Laramie County's composite risk score sits 38.8 points above the Wyoming county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Laramie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Laramie County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Laramie County?
How does Laramie County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Laramie County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Laramie 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.