Sheridan County, Wyoming Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WY
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 65th
Sheridan County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 65.2, 65th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Sheridan County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 65.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 65th 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.
Risk here concentrates in wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $608K in expected annual loss and about 25.91 events per year; and avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Medium risk — $457K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 31K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sheridan County has a 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Sheridan County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Elk Fire (fire), declared in September 2024.
Among 23 Wyoming counties, Sheridan County ranks #4 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 25.91 / yr | $608K |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $457K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.08 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 4.33 / yr | $11K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.71 / yr | $17M |
| Lightning | Medium | 34.95 / yr | $498K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $649K |
| Hail | Low | 1.27 / yr | $407K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.26 / yr | $172K |
| Drought | Very Low | 78.33 / yr | $8K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $303K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.70 / yr | $140K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9K |
| Volcanic Activity | 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
Sheridan County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Elk Fire in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Fire | Elk Fire |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| August 2007 | Fire | Little Goose Fire |
| November 2003 | Fire | Wy - Tongue River Wildfire - 11/19/2003 |
| May 1978 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding & Mudslides |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sheridan County?
Sheridan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 65.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 65th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sheridan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $608K EAL), Avalanche (Medium, $457K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sheridan County compare to other Wyoming counties?
Sheridan County ranks #4 of 23 Wyoming counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sheridan County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Sheridan County since 1978, most often 3 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Elk Fire, declared in September 2024.
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. Sheridan County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.