Natural Disaster Risk in Tropic

Natural Hazard Profile: Tropic, Utah

Tropic is a small community of about 582 in Garfield 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 Tropic.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Tropic carries an overall risk score of 5.7/10, 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.

Tropic's risk score, near 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 Garfield 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.

Tropic'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.