Kit Carson County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 32th
Kit Carson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 32.5, 32th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kit Carson County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 32.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 32nd 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 Kit Carson County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.90 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $209K in expected annual loss and about 14.68 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 5.74 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kit Carson County has a low 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: Kit Carson County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Kit Carson County ranks #38 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 6.90 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 14.68 / yr | $209K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.74 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Low | 2.30 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.85 / yr | $640K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $30K |
| Drought | Low | 53.19 / yr | $51K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $72K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.74 / yr | $82K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.36 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $12K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $7 |
| 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 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kit Carson County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (1), Coastal Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| June 1965 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kit Carson County?
Kit Carson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 32.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 32th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kit Carson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $209K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kit Carson County compare to other Colorado counties?
Kit Carson County ranks #38 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kit Carson County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Kit Carson County since 1965, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for flood 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. Kit Carson County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.