Sheridan County Disaster Risk
Sheridan County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sheridan County, Wyoming
Sheridan's risk outpaces national average
Sheridan County scores 65.20 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting well above the national baseline. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake activity. Understanding your local risk profile is the first step toward meaningful home protection.
Among Wyoming's most exposed counties
Sheridan ranks as one of Wyoming's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 65.20, compared to the state average of 37.86. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by wildfire exposure and moderate earthquake vulnerability. This elevated standing reflects Sheridan's geographic position in northwestern Wyoming's forested terrain.
Sheridan faces distinct wildfire pressure
Compared to neighboring Washakie County (24.36) and Weston County (7.89), Sheridan carries substantially higher overall risk, primarily due to wildfire hazards. Sheridan's wildfire risk score of 93.89 is among the highest in the region, while nearby counties show lower composite exposure. Teton County (70.64) presents the closest risk comparison, sharing similar wildfire and earthquake concerns.
Wildfire and earthquake dominate Sheridan
Wildfire risk in Sheridan County reaches 93.89, reflecting the county's location within forest and grassland fire zones—significantly higher than the state average hazard profile. Earthquake risk scores 65.49, a moderate but consistent threat given the county's proximity to seismic zones. Tornadoes present minimal risk at 22.17, and flood exposure remains moderate at 74.43.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Sheridan residents face above-average wildfire risk and should verify that homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Earthquake insurance is also worth evaluating given the county's 65.49 earthquake risk score. Consider defensible space clearing, roof maintenance, and professional risk assessments specific to wildfire and seismic hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sheridan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sheridan County
Risk Verdict
At the 65th percentile nationally, Sheridan County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Sheridan County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Sheridan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (65th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Sheridan County's primary hazard at the 94th percentile nationally. For Sheridan County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary flood exposure at the 74th percentile nationally means Sheridan County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Sheridan County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Sheridan County falls 27.3 points above Wyoming's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Sheridan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sheridan County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Sheridan County?
How does Sheridan County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Is Sheridan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sheridan 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.