Broomfield County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 35th
Broomfield County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 34.7, 35th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Broomfield County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 34.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 35th 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 Broomfield County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 6.27 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 47.19 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $252K in expected annual loss and about 14.07 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 74K.
Beyond physical exposure, Broomfield County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Broomfield County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2003, including 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Broomfield County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 6.27 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | High | 47.19 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 14.07 / yr | $252K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $325K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.03 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.18 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.20 / yr | $1M |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $381K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.01 / yr | $84K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $6M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.91 / yr | $215K |
| Drought | Very Low | 10.68 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $17 |
| 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 |
Disaster History
Broomfield County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2003, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Snowstorm (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2003 | Snowstorm | Snow |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Broomfield County?
Broomfield County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 34.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 35th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Broomfield County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $3M EAL), Lightning (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $252K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Broomfield County compare to other Colorado counties?
Broomfield County ranks #35 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Broomfield County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Broomfield County since 2003, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm 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. Broomfield County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.