Natural Disaster Risk in Paragonah

Natural Hazard Profile: Paragonah, Utah

Paragonah is a small community of about 1,054 in Iron County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences dry conditions, hot summers, and heavy mountain snowfall, with significant avalanche risk in mountain terrain each winter shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Paragonah.

FEMA rates Paragonah's composite natural disaster risk at 5.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat from nearby active volcanoes tops the local risk profile, with potential hazards including ash fall that disrupts air travel and agriculture, and lava that threatens infrastructure. Residents should also account for wildfire and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

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

Paragonah's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that volcano exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.