Natural Disaster Risk in Colfax County

Natural Hazard Profile: Colfax County, New Mexico

Colfax County is located in the United States in New Mexico, home to roughly 12,360 residents. The county experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with dramatic elevation variation, with a late-summer monsoon season with flash flood risk 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, Colfax 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 lightning and avalanche.

Colfax County's risk score, near the 5.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Colfax County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, lightning, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Colfax County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — 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.