Natural Disaster Risk in Carbon County

Natural Hazard Profile: Carbon County, Utah

Carbon County is located in the United States in Utah, home to roughly 20,381 residents. The county experiences dry conditions, hot summers, and heavy mountain snowfall, with significant avalanche risk in mountain terrain each winter 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, Carbon County carries an overall risk score of 5.0/10, placing it in the moderate category. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.

Carbon County's risk score, slightly below the 5.5/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Carbon County, the highest-scoring are volcano, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Carbon 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 volcano is recommended.