Washakie County Disaster Risk
Washakie County, Wyoming
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 23 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washakie County, Wyoming
Washakie's risk sits below the national norm
Washakie County scores 24.36 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and remaining below typical national hazard profiles. This favorable score reflects the county's location in north-central Wyoming and balanced exposure across hazard categories. Washakie residents benefit from relatively stable geography with no extreme natural disaster vulnerabilities.
Among Wyoming's safer counties
Washakie's composite score of 24.36 falls well below the state average of 37.86, placing it in Wyoming's safer half of county rankings. The county avoids the elevated risks present in northwestern Wyoming while maintaining reasonable hazard exposure. Washakie's position reflects its location in central Wyoming's more stable geological and climatic region.
Washakie compares favorably to regional peers
Washakie (24.36) ranks near Sublette County (21.63) and Sweetwater County (30.63) in overall risk, forming a relatively safe corridor in central Wyoming. The county's score exceeds only Uinta (16.70) and Weston (7.89) but remains significantly below Sheridan (65.20) and Teton (70.64). Washakie's middle positioning reflects its transitional geography in Wyoming's interior.
Wildfire and earthquake drive Washakie hazards
Washakie's wildfire risk reaches 66.73, the county's highest hazard score and reflecting extensive grassland and forest exposure across the region. Earthquake risk scores 71.72, a moderate-to-significant exposure reflecting the county's position near seismic zones. Flood and tornado risks remain low at 48.60 and 14.98 respectively.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage recommended
Washakie residents should confirm wildfire coverage in their homeowners policy given the county's 66.73 wildfire risk score, as standard policies often exclude this hazard. Earthquake insurance is worth evaluating given the 71.72 earthquake risk score, particularly for newer homes in more vulnerable locations. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washakie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washakie County
Risk Verdict
Washakie County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 24th percentile nationally. Residents of Washakie County can use the 24th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Washakie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 72th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Washakie County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Alongside earthquake exposure, Washakie County's wildfire risk at the 67th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Washakie County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Washakie County falls 13.5 points below Wyoming's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washakie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washakie County, WY?
What types of natural hazards affect Washakie County?
How does Washakie County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
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Is Washakie 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.