Washakie County, Wyoming Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WY
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Washakie County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.4, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Washakie County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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.
Most of Washakie County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $69K in expected annual loss and about 2.72 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $656K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $99K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washakie 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: Washakie County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 23 Wyoming counties, Washakie County ranks #16 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 2.72 / yr | $69K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $656K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $99K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.50 / yr | $5M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.91 / yr | $359K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.64 / yr | $24K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2 |
| Drought | Very Low | 77.54 / yr | $17K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 33.80 / yr | $57K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $22 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $106K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $29K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $31K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washakie County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Flood | Flooding |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| May 1978 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding & Mudslides |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washakie County?
Washakie County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washakie County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $69K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $656K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $99K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washakie County compare to other Wyoming counties?
Washakie County ranks #16 of 23 Wyoming counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washakie County had?
FEMA records 5 federal disaster declarations for Washakie County since 1978, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 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. Washakie County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.