Huerfano County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Huerfano County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.2, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Huerfano County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 Low risk — $653K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $75K in expected annual loss and about 18.02 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $247K in expected annual loss and about 56.81 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Huerfano County has a very high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Huerfano County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 4 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Huerfano County ranks #39 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $653K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.02 / yr | $75K |
| Lightning | Medium | 56.81 / yr | $247K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.50 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Low | 2.04 / yr | $158K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.35 / yr | $494 |
| Drought | Very Low | 109.37 / yr | $17K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $34K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $49 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $35K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.28 / yr | $104K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $60K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.93 / yr | $23K |
| 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
Huerfano County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Fire | Spring Creek Fire |
| June 2013 | Fire | East Peak Fire |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 2006 | Fire | Mauricio Canyon Fire |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2003 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Huerfano County?
Huerfano County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Huerfano County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $653K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $75K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $247K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Huerfano County compare to other Colorado counties?
Huerfano County ranks #39 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Huerfano County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Huerfano County since 1977, most often 4 for fire events and 2 for biological 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. Huerfano County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.