Natural Disaster Risk in Manitou Springs
Colorado
Risk Summary for Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs scores 7.7/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs, in El Paso County, is a town of roughly 5,312 residents situated in the Great Plains. Its semi-arid continental climate brings dry air, significant mountain snowfall, and rapid weather changes, and in particular dramatic spring snowstorms and summer hailstorms. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Manitou Springs residents and property owners must navigate.
Manitou Springs's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.7/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Secondary hazards include hail and lightning.
Within Colorado, Manitou Springs's risk is, considerably above the 5.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of El Paso County identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Manitou Springs residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.
What this means for Manitou Springs: Winter Weather preparedness
- Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
- Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
Local Factors for Manitou Springs
These city-level factors differentiate Manitou Springs from other communities in El Paso County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,312
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.9/10
Coordinates
38.8292° N, 104.9329° W
El Paso County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Manitou Springs
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Manitou Springs
Other cities in Colorado
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.