Teller County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Teller County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.8, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Teller County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th 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 Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $107K in expected annual loss and about 0.37 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 68.75 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Teller County has a very low 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.
The federal record bears this out: Teller County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 4 for fire events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Teller County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $11M |
| Landslide | Medium | 0.37 / yr | $107K |
| Lightning | High | 68.75 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 5.96 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.38 / yr | $220K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6 |
| Tornado | Low | 0.26 / yr | $621K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $52K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.86 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.69 / yr | $150K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $18 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.55 / yr | $45K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $19 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 37.79 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Teller County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Fire (4), Flood (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Fire | Chateau Fire |
| June 2012 | Fire | High Park and Waldo Canyon Wildfires |
| June 2008 | Fire | Nash Ranch Fire |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2003 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Teller County?
Teller County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Teller County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $11M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $107K EAL), Lightning (High, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Teller County compare to other Colorado counties?
Teller County ranks #31 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Teller County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Teller County since 1965, most often 4 for fire events and 2 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. Teller County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.