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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Uinta County Disaster Risk

Uinta County, Wyoming

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

17th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#19

of 23 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

34th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 83% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 10% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Uinta County, Wyoming

Uinta ranks among nation's safest counties

Uinta County scores just 16.70 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below both state and national risk averages. This exceptionally low score reflects favorable geography and minimal exposure across most natural hazard categories. Uinta residents enjoy some of the lowest natural disaster risk in the United States.

Wyoming's safest county by composite score

Uinta County's composite score of 16.70 ranks it as Wyoming's lowest-risk county, less than half the state average of 37.86. The county's favorable position reflects its location in southwestern Wyoming, away from high-fire zones and major seismic activity. Only Weston County (7.89) approaches Uinta's exceptional safety profile.

Uinta enjoys regional risk advantage

Uinta's composite score of 16.70 stands below neighboring Sublette County (21.63) and Sweetwater County (30.63), making it the safest county in its immediate region. The county's low risk extends across multiple hazard types, creating a consistently protective geographic position. Only Weston County to the east matches Uinta's favorable exposure profile.

Wildfire poses Uinta's main concern

Wildfire risk in Uinta County reaches 83.49, the highest hazard score and reflecting the region's grassland and forest vegetation despite the county's overall low composite risk. Earthquake risk scores 64.15, a moderate exposure typical for western Wyoming. Flood and tornado risks remain low at 34.06 and 10.40 respectively.

Basic preparation covers most scenarios

Uinta's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents, though wildfire coverage should be verified given the 83.49 wildfire score. Basic property maintenance—clearing dead vegetation, keeping gutters clean, and maintaining defensible space around your home—provides practical wildfire protection. Annual policy reviews ensure you maintain appropriate coverage as your home's value changes.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Uinta County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    83th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    64th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    34th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Uinta County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Uinta County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 17th percentile. Uinta County residents can take confidence from a 17th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Uinta County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 83th percentile nationally for wildfire, Uinta 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. The county's earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Uinta County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Uinta County is 21.2 composite risk points below the Wyoming state mean, meaning most other Wyoming counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Uinta County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Uinta County, WY?
Uinta County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 17th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Uinta County?
Uinta County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (83th percentile), earthquake (64th percentile), flooding (34th percentile), tornado (10th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 83th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Uinta County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Uinta County's composite risk percentile is 17th, compared to the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Uinta County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wyoming.
Is Uinta County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Uinta County's wildfire risk is at the 83th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Uinta County is at the 34th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Uinta County a safe place to live?
Uinta County's composite risk score of 17th percentile is below the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 83th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hot Springs County

Wyoming

-0.6

Very Low

16th percentile

Crook County

Wyoming

-0.6

Very Low

16th percentile

Johnson County

Wyoming

+2.6

Very Low

19th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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