Juab County, Utah Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · UT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Juab County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.3, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Juab County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th 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 — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.97 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $329K in expected annual loss and about 16.69 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Juab County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Juab County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Cherry Fire (fire), declared in June 2026.
Among 29 Utah counties, Juab County ranks #18 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Avalanche | High | 0.97 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.69 / yr | $329K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 97.88 / yr | $314K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.77 / yr | $297K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.58 / yr | $791 |
| Lightning | Low | 36.05 / yr | $169K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.70 / yr | $181K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $53K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $2K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $6K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Juab County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Cherry Fire in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Fire (3), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Fire | Cherry Fire |
| June 2026 | Fire | Iron Fire |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2007 | Fire | Salt Creek Fire |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 1984 | Flood | Severe Storms, Mudslides, Landslides & Flooding |
| April 1983 | Flood | Severe Storms, Landslides & Flooding |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Juab County?
Juab County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Juab County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL), Avalanche (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $329K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Juab County compare to other Utah counties?
Juab County ranks #18 of 29 Utah counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Juab County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Juab County since 1977, most often 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Cherry Fire, declared in June 2026.
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. Juab County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.