Gilpin County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Gilpin County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.4, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Gilpin County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.4 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 Gilpin County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $40K in expected annual loss and about 0.13 events per year; and avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Low risk — $131K in expected annual loss and about 0.40 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Gilpin 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Gilpin County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Gilpin County ranks #56 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.13 / yr | $40K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.40 / yr | $131K |
| Hail | Low | 5.55 / yr | $581K |
| Lightning | Low | 62.71 / yr | $225K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 33.08 / yr | $42K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $50K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $203K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.88 / yr | $86K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $10K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 16.52 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Gilpin County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Snowstorm (2).
| 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 |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 1969 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Gilpin County?
Gilpin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.4 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 Gilpin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $1M EAL), Landslide (Low, $40K EAL), Avalanche (Low, $131K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Gilpin County compare to other Colorado counties?
Gilpin County ranks #56 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Gilpin County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Gilpin County since 1969, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood 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. Gilpin County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.