Elbert County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Elbert County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.6, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Elbert County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 36.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 8.02 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $252K in expected annual loss and about 14.67 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 26K.
Beyond physical exposure, Elbert County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
History supports the rating: Elbert County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Elbert County ranks #34 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Medium | 8.02 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 14.67 / yr | $252K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.82 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Low | 2.17 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 53.49 / yr | $254K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6 |
| Drought | Low | 42.58 / yr | $54K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $133K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.45 / yr | $523 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.25 / yr | $390K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $23K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.31 / yr | $23K |
| 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
Elbert County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2015 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2003 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 1999 | Severe Storm | Co-Flooding 4/30/99 |
| August 1997 | Flood | Severe Storms, Heavy Rain, Flash Floods, Flooding, Mudslides |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Elbert County?
Elbert County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Elbert County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $5M EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $252K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Elbert County compare to other Colorado counties?
Elbert County ranks #34 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Elbert County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Elbert County since 1965, most often 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes, declared in August 2023.
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. Elbert County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.