Jackson County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 12th
Jackson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.8, 12th national percentile), driven primarily by avalanche 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
Overall natural disaster risk in Jackson County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 11.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 12th 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 avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.37 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.47 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $9K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 1K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jackson County has a medium 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 federal record bears this out: Jackson County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 1 for coastal storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Jackson County ranks #50 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Avalanche | Very High | 0.37 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.47 / yr | $4K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $22K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 54.28 / yr | $45K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.04 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 22.14 / yr | $4K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $790K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.31 / yr | $17K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $9K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.33 / yr | $8K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 54.32 / 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
Jackson County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Coastal Storm (1), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 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 Jackson County?
Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 12th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Avalanche (Very High, $4M EAL), Landslide (Low, $4K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $9K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jackson County compare to other Colorado counties?
Jackson County ranks #50 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jackson County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Jackson County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for coastal 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. Jackson County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.