Niobrara County Disaster Risk
Niobrara County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Niobrara County, Wyoming
Niobrara is Wyoming's safest county
Niobrara County scores just 3.34 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties in America. The county experiences roughly 95% less disaster risk than the national average.
By far Wyoming's lowest-risk county
Niobrara County's 3.34 score is dramatically lower than Wyoming's state average of 37.86, making it the clear safest county in the state. The county's low exposure across flood (6.93) and earthquake (28.40) hazards creates exceptional resilience.
Vastly safer than all surrounding counties
Niobrara County's 3.34 score is nearly unmatched in the region—Hot Springs (16.09), Johnson (19.31), and Platte (25.73) counties all face significantly higher risk. Only Niobrara maintains such minimal overall disaster exposure.
Wildfire only notable hazard
Wildfire risk reaches 80.88 in Niobrara County, making it the primary concern despite the county's overall very low risk profile. All other hazards—flood (6.93), tornado (13.52), and earthquake (28.40)—remain minimal compared to state and national standards.
Wildfire coverage makes sense here
While Niobrara County is Wyoming's safest, wildfire coverage remains worthwhile given the 80.88 risk score and the hazard's catastrophic potential. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfire; a rider or separate policy provides essential protection for this singular exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Niobrara County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Niobrara County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Niobrara County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 3th percentile. Being ranked at the 3th percentile nationally is an advantage for Niobrara County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Niobrara County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (14th percentile), flood (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for wildfire, Niobrara County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 28th percentile nationally means Niobrara County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Niobrara County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Niobrara County is 34.5 composite risk points below the Wyoming state mean, meaning most other Wyoming counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Niobrara County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Niobrara County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Niobrara County?
How does Niobrara County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Niobrara County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Niobrara 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.