Albany County, Wyoming Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 48th
Albany County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 48.5, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $18M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Albany County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 48.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 48th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $493K in expected annual loss and about 24.74 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $53K in expected annual loss and about 1.24 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 4.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $18M in expected annual loss for a population of 37K.
Beyond physical exposure, Albany County has a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Albany County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2002, including 6 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Mullen Fire (fire), declared in September 2020.
Among 23 Wyoming counties, Albany County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 24.74 / yr | $493K |
| Landslide | Medium | 1.24 / yr | $53K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.16 / yr | $6M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $782K |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.07 / yr | $913K |
| Lightning | High | 50.58 / yr | $979K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $576K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.03 / yr | $102K |
| Hail | Low | 2.03 / yr | $286K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.64 / yr | $6M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.88 / yr | $863K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.46 / yr | $232K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 75.79 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | 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
Albany County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2002, most recently Mullen Fire in September 2020. Most frequent causes: Fire (6), Biological (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2020 | Fire | Mullen Fire |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Fire | Badger Creek Fire |
| July 2015 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2012 | Fire | Squirrel Creek Fire |
| June 2012 | Fire | Arapahoe Fire |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| July 2002 | Fire | Wy - Reese Mountain Fire - 07/01/02 |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wy-Hensel Fire-06/07/02 |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Albany County?
Albany County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 48.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Albany County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $493K EAL), Landslide (Medium, $53K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Albany County compare to other Wyoming counties?
Albany County ranks #9 of 23 Wyoming counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Albany County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Albany County since 2002, most often 6 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Mullen Fire, declared in September 2020.
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. Albany County's $18M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.