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

Weston County Disaster Risk

Weston County, Wyoming

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

8th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#22

of 23 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

8th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 8% 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 22% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 31% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Weston County, Wyoming

Weston ranks as nation's safest counties

Weston County scores just 7.89 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptionally low score reflects Weston's location in northeastern Wyoming with minimal exposure to major natural hazard zones. The county benefits from favorable geography across nearly all hazard categories.

Wyoming's safest county overall

Weston's composite score of 7.89 ranks it as Wyoming's lowest-risk county by a significant margin, roughly 79% below the state average of 37.86. The county's exceptional safety position reflects its location away from fire-prone forests, major seismic zones, and flood corridors. Weston stands alone as Wyoming's premier low-risk county.

Weston enjoys exceptional regional advantage

Weston (7.89) ranks dramatically safer than all nearby counties, with only Uinta County (16.70) approaching its favorable risk profile in Wyoming. The county's low score distinguishes it from Sheridan (65.20), Washakie (24.36), and all other regional peers. Weston's geographic isolation and terrain create an unusually protective natural setting.

Wildfire is Weston's primary hazard concern

Wildfire risk in Weston County reaches 83.75, the county's only significant hazard score despite its overall very low composite ranking. Earthquake risk scores 31.27, a notably low exposure reflecting Weston's distance from major seismic zones. Flood (8.21) and tornado (22.26) risks remain minimal, making wildfire the only meaningful natural hazard.

Verify wildfire coverage, then relax

Weston residents should simply confirm wildfire coverage in their homeowners policy—the county's 7.89 composite risk score means standard insurance provides excellent protection for most natural disaster scenarios. Check that your wildfire coverage adequately addresses the 83.75 wildfire risk score, then focus on routine home maintenance rather than extensive disaster preparation. Weston's exceptional safety profile makes it one of Wyoming's best locations for property security.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Weston County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    84th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    31th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    22th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Weston County

Risk Verdict

Weston County's overall natural disaster score at the 8th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 8th percentile score positions Weston County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Weston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 31th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (22th percentile), flood (8th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With wildfire ranked at the 84th percentile nationally, Weston County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Weston County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 31th percentile nationally means Weston County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Weston County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Weston County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.

Regional Context

Weston County's composite risk score sits 30.0 points below the Wyoming county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Weston 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 Weston County, WY?
Weston County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 8th 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 Weston County?
Weston County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (84th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile), tornado (22th percentile), flooding (8th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 84th 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 Weston County risk compare to the Wyoming average?
Weston County's composite risk percentile is 8th, compared to the Wyoming state average of 38th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Weston County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wyoming.
Is Weston County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Weston County's wildfire risk is at the 84th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Weston County is at the 8th 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 Weston County a safe place to live?
Weston County's composite risk score of 8th 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 84th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.