Washington natural disaster risk
Washington ranks #42 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 Washington's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County | 2,287,171 | 99.7 | Very High |
| Pierce County | 930,319 | 98.5 | Relatively High |
| Snohomish County | 844,430 | 97.9 | Relatively High |
| Spokane County | 549,056 | 90.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clark County | 516,959 | 92.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Thurston County | 299,067 | 94.5 | Relatively High |
| Kitsap County | 277,881 | 92.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Yakima County | 257,152 | 94.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Whatcom County | 230,503 | 91.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Benton County | 212,905 | 87.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Skagit County | 131,328 | 88.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cowlitz County | 112,360 | 90.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Grant County | 101,799 | 76.9 | Relatively Low |
| Franklin County | 98,902 | 72.5 | Relatively Low |
| Island County | 86,836 | 78.0 | Relatively Low |
| Lewis County | 85,154 | 89.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Chelan County | 80,172 | 90.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Clallam County | 77,813 | 89.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Grays Harbor County | 77,053 | 97.0 | Relatively High |
| Mason County | 67,982 | 85.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Walla Walla County | 62,161 | 60.4 | Relatively Low |
| Stevens County | 48,067 | 60.3 | Relatively Low |
| Kittitas County | 47,172 | 89.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Whitman County | 47,003 | 39.8 | Very Low |
| Douglas County | 44,366 | 74.1 | Relatively 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 Washington
- Asotin County 17.9
- Adams County 23.2
- Whitman County 39.8
- Stevens County 60.3
- Walla Walla County 60.4
- Jefferson County 64.4
- Franklin County 72.5
- Klickitat County 73.9
Cities in Washington
- Seattle, WA risk 99
- Portland, OR risk 94.6
- Spokane, WA risk 87.6
- Olympia, WA risk 94.5
- Bremerton, WA risk 92.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Washington safe from natural disasters?
Washington's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 92.8 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #42 of 51 from safest. About 57% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Washington?
The highest relative risks in Washington are earthquake, landslide, riverine flooding (national percentile scores 96, 92, 92).
Where is the safest place to live in Washington?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Asotin County, Adams County, Whitman County.