🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk in Elbert County

Colorado

5.3out of 10
Moderate Risk

Risk Summary for Elbert County

Elbert County scores 5.3/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.

Top Hazards

Wildfire Volcanic Activity Hail

All 18 Hazard Scores

Wildfire
9.6
Volcanic Activity
9.5
Hail
9.0
Winter Weather
7.9
Cold Wave
5.6
Tornado
5.5
Tsunami
5.4
Lightning
5.0
Coastal Flooding
4.9
Avalanche
4.5
Drought
4.2
Earthquake
4.1
Landslide
4.1
Strong Wind
3.7
Ice Storm
3.3
Hurricane
2.4
Extreme Heat
2.2
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

Elbert County
5.3
Colorado avg.
5.2
US national avg.
4.5

Live Conditions

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🏠 What this means for insurance

Average risk β€” standard coverage usually sufficient

This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.

This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.

Natural Hazard Profile: Elbert County, Colorado

Elbert County is located in the United States in Colorado, home to roughly 26,043 residents. The county experiences dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes, with dramatic spring snowstorms and summer hailstorms shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Elbert County carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and hail.

Elbert County's risk score, near the 5.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Elbert County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, volcano, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Elbert County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices β€” an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.

What this means for Elbert County: Wildfire preparedness

  • Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
  • Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
  • Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.

Cities in Elbert County

ZIP codes in Elbert County

Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.