Bent County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Bent County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 5.6, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bent County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 5.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Bent County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $541K in expected annual loss and about 119.30 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $149K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $555K in expected annual loss and about 3.30 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bent County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Bent County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Bent County ranks #58 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 119.30 / yr | $541K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $149K |
| Hail | Low | 3.30 / yr | $555K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.99 / yr | $576K |
| Lightning | Low | 44.38 / yr | $141K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.79 / yr | $37K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.00 / yr | $459K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.81 / yr | $284K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $15K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $5 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $853 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Bent County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 2001 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| May 1999 | Severe Storm | Co-Flooding 4/30/99 |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| June 1965 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bent County?
Bent County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 5.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bent County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $541K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $149K EAL), Hail (Low, $555K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bent County compare to other Colorado counties?
Bent County ranks #58 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bent County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Bent County since 1965, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Bent County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.