Colorado natural disaster risk
Colorado ranks #33 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are lightning, hail, winter weather.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Colorado's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso County | 742,999 | 94.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Denver County | 718,877 | 95.2 | Relatively High |
| Arapahoe County | 659,844 | 93.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jefferson County | 579,377 | 94.9 | Relatively High |
| Adams County | 530,225 | 91.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Douglas County | 377,150 | 88.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Larimer County | 367,368 | 90.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Weld County | 350,396 | 89.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Boulder County | 328,961 | 90.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Pueblo County | 169,356 | 82.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Mesa County | 158,601 | 75.1 | Relatively Low |
| Broomfield County | 76,304 | 34.7 | Very Low |
| Garfield County | 62,479 | 64.5 | Relatively Low |
| La Plata County | 56,331 | 75.2 | Relatively Low |
| Eagle County | 55,135 | 76.2 | Relatively Low |
| Fremont County | 49,634 | 68.6 | Relatively Low |
| Montrose County | 43,807 | 49.0 | Relatively Low |
| Delta County | 31,598 | 51.3 | Relatively Low |
| Summit County | 31,017 | 60.2 | Relatively Low |
| Morgan County | 29,520 | 51.9 | Relatively Low |
| Elbert County | 27,874 | 36.6 | Very Low |
| Montezuma County | 26,412 | 47.6 | Relatively Low |
| Routt County | 25,084 | 33.4 | Very Low |
| Teller County | 24,825 | 38.8 | Very Low |
| Logan County | 20,892 | 58.7 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Colorado
- Routt County 33.4
- Broomfield County 34.7
- Elbert County 36.6
- Teller County 38.8
- Montezuma County 47.6
- Montrose County 49.0
- Chaffee County 51.1
- Delta County 51.3
Cities in Colorado
- Denver, CO risk 90.6
- Colorado Springs, CO risk 92.2
- Fort Collins, CO risk 90.1
- Greeley, CO risk 89.2
- Boulder, CO risk 90.7
Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado safe from natural disasters?
Colorado's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 85 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #33 of 51 from safest. About 23% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Colorado?
The highest relative risks in Colorado are lightning, hail, winter weather (national percentile scores 94, 89, 89).
Where is the safest place to live in Colorado?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Routt County, Broomfield County, Elbert County.