Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Wyoming
Lincoln faces moderate national disaster risk
Lincoln County scores 51.91 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average and earning a Relatively Low rating. The county's risk level is notably higher than the safest U.S. counties but remains manageable with appropriate preparation.
Mid-range risk for Wyoming
Lincoln County's 51.91 score places it above Wyoming's state average of 37.86, ranking it among the state's moderate-risk counties. Earthquake exposure particularly elevates the county's profile compared to many Wyoming peers.
Riskier than Hot Springs, safer than Laramie
Lincoln County's 51.91 score falls between the very safe Hot Springs County (16.09) and the high-risk Laramie County (76.69). Its elevation is driven primarily by earthquake risk (87.82), the highest among neighboring counties, while wildfire (83.62) also poses significant hazards.
Earthquakes and wildfires lead threats
Earthquake risk dominates Lincoln County at 87.82, the highest hazard exposure in the county and reflecting proximity to major fault zones. Wildfire risk reaches 83.62, making these two geological and fire-based hazards the county's primary concerns.
Earthquake and wildfire coverage essential
Lincoln County residents should secure dedicated earthquake insurance immediately—standard policies exclude seismic damage, and the county's 87.82 earthquake score demands protection. Add wildfire coverage and ensure your home meets current building codes for earthquake resilience.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County ranks at the 52th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (35th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lincoln County ranks at the 88th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's wildfire risk at the 84th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Lincoln County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
Compared to other Wyoming counties, Lincoln County runs 14.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.