Grand County

Colorado — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

50.2

National percentile: 50th

Grand County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 50.2, 50th national percentile), driven primarily by avalanche and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $20M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very Low Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Medium Capacity to recover
Population 16K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Avalanche
Very High $5M/yr
Landslide
Medium $122K/yr
Lightning
Medium $983K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Avalanche Very High 0.93 / yr $5M
Landslide Medium 1.22 / yr $122K
Lightning Medium 59.56 / yr $983K
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $441K
Hail Medium 2.53 / yr $889K
Riverine Flood Low 0.46 / yr $12M
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $288K
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $4
Winter Weather Low 26.35 / yr $39K
Drought Very Low 40.82 / yr $20K
Tornado Very Low 0.34 / yr $490K
Ice Storm Very Low 0.01 / yr $13K
Strong Wind Very Low 0.51 / yr $161K
Cold Wave Very Low 0.26 / yr $8K
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Heat Wave Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Hurricane Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Grand County?

Grand County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 50.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 50th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Grand County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Avalanche (Very High, $5M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $122K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $983K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Grand County compare to other Colorado counties?

Grand County ranks #23 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

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. Grand County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.