Oregon natural disaster risk
Oregon ranks #37 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are earthquake, landslide, riverine flooding.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Oregon's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multnomah County | 801,477 | 98.5 | Relatively High |
| Washington County | 603,947 | 96.0 | Relatively High |
| Clackamas County | 423,975 | 94.9 | Relatively High |
| Lane County | 384,207 | 96.4 | Relatively High |
| Marion County | 349,244 | 95.5 | Relatively High |
| Jackson County | 222,645 | 92.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Deschutes County | 206,334 | 84.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Linn County | 130,706 | 88.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Douglas County | 112,072 | 92.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Yamhill County | 108,734 | 82.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Benton County | 96,303 | 84.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Polk County | 89,662 | 72.8 | Relatively Low |
| Josephine County | 88,179 | 90.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Umatilla County | 79,940 | 82.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Klamath County | 70,247 | 77.9 | Relatively Low |
| Coos County | 64,827 | 91.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Columbia County | 53,493 | 70.7 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 50,964 | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clatsop County | 41,363 | 95.1 | Relatively High |
| Malheur County | 31,954 | 34.8 | Very Low |
| Tillamook County | 27,496 | 81.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Wasco County | 26,552 | 67.8 | Relatively Low |
| Crook County | 26,277 | 33.6 | Very Low |
| Union County | 26,144 | 43.5 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 25,203 | 29.9 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Oregon
- Jefferson County 29.9
- Hood River County 32.1
- Crook County 33.6
- Malheur County 34.8
- Union County 43.5
- Wasco County 67.8
- Columbia County 70.7
- Polk County 72.8
Cities in Oregon
- Portland, OR risk 94.6
- Eugene, OR risk 96.4
- Bend, OR risk 74.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Oregon safe from natural disasters?
Oregon's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 89.9 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #37 of 51 from safest. About 62% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Oregon?
The highest relative risks in Oregon are earthquake, landslide, riverine flooding (national percentile scores 96, 88, 88).
Where is the safest place to live in Oregon?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Jefferson County, Hood River County, Crook County.