Washington County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 12th
Washington County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 12.0, 12th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Washington County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 12.0 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $604K in expected annual loss and about 6.59 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $611K in expected annual loss and about 1.86 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $71K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Washington County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Washington County ranks #49 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 6.59 / yr | $604K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.86 / yr | $611K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $71K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.68 / yr | $797K |
| Drought | Low | 52.97 / yr | $95K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.42 / yr | $35K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.09 / yr | $31K |
| Tornado | Low | 3.16 / yr | $481K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $30K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.93 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $13K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.06 / yr | $23K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $3 |
| 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
Washington County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2015 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| September 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| September 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 2001 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
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 Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 12.0 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 Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $604K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $611K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $71K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Colorado counties?
Washington County ranks #49 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Washington County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.