Out of 24 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 24 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 46 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 3 |
Top 24 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson | Colorado | 6 | 0 | 2019 | 3/100 |
| 2 | Adams | Colorado | 4 | 0 | 2017 | 6/100 |
| 3 | Denver | Colorado | 4 | 0 | 2011 | 3/100 |
| 4 | Weld | Colorado | 4 | 0 | 2025 | 3/100 |
| 5 | Larimer | Colorado | 4 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 6 | El Paso | Colorado | 3 | 0 | 2016 | 19/100 |
| 7 | Pueblo | Colorado | 3 | 1 | 2011 | 19/100 |
| 8 | Summit | Colorado | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 7/100 |
| 9 | Jackson | Colorado | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 6/100 |
| 10 | Douglas | Colorado | 2 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Eagle | Colorado | 1 | 1 | 2020 | 13/100 |
| 12 | Arapahoe | Colorado | 1 | 1 | 2018 | 7/100 |
| 13 | Routt | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 6/100 |
| 14 | Mesa | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 5/100 |
| 15 | Pitkin | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 5/100 |
| 16 | Boulder | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 3/100 |
| 17 | Grand | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 2/100 |
| 18 | Gilpin | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 19 | Lake | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 1/100 |
| 20 | La Plata | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 1/100 |
| 21 | Archuleta | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 1/100 |
| 22 | San Miguel | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 1/100 |
| 23 | Chaffee | Colorado | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 24 | Dolores | Colorado | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Colorado based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.