Rio Blanco County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 38th
Rio Blanco County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.6, 38th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Rio Blanco County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 37.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 38th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $94K in expected annual loss and about 3.95 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.13 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Rio Blanco County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Rio Blanco County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1984, including 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Lee Fire (fire), declared in August 2025.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Rio Blanco County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 3.95 / yr | $94K |
| Avalanche | High | 0.13 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 51.30 / yr | $737K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.11 / yr | $6M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $148K |
| Drought | Low | 82.82 / yr | $36K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $36K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $76K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 27.32 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $10K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $17K |
| Heat Wave | 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
Rio Blanco County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1984, most recently Lee Fire in August 2025. Most frequent causes: Fire (3), Biological (2), Coastal Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Fire | Lee Fire |
| August 2025 | Fire | Elk Fire |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| July 1984 | Flood | Severe Storms, Mudslides, Landslides & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Rio Blanco County?
Rio Blanco County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 38th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Rio Blanco County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $94K EAL), Avalanche (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Rio Blanco County compare to other Colorado counties?
Rio Blanco County ranks #32 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Rio Blanco County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Rio Blanco County since 1984, most often 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Lee Fire, declared in August 2025.
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. Rio Blanco County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.