Baker County Disaster Risk
Baker County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Baker County, Oregon
Baker County: Below Average Risk
Baker County scores 48.16 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and well below Oregon's state average of 63.43. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical American counties, though certain hazards remain present.
Among Oregon's Safest Counties
Baker County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide, with only a handful of Oregon counties scoring lower on overall composite risk. This relative safety reflects the county's geography and lower exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.
Safer Than Eastern Oregon Peers
Baker County's score of 48.16 is significantly lower than neighboring Crook County (33.59, very low) but notably safer than Union County and other surrounding areas. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure compared to western Oregon counties.
Wildfire and Earthquake Top Concerns
Wildfire risk dominates Baker County's hazard profile at 96.06—among the highest in the state—reflecting the county's location in Oregon's semi-arid interior where large fires are common. Earthquake risk scores 78.69, a reminder that the Pacific Northwest sits atop active seismic zones, though floods (47.84) and tornadoes (5.95) pose minimal threat.
Prepare for Fire Season Now
Wildfire insurance and defensible space around your home are essential protections for Baker County residents. Consider earthquake insurance and create a 30-foot defensible perimeter by removing dead trees and brush to reduce fire spread risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Baker County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Baker County
Risk Verdict
Baker County ranks at the 48th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Baker County residents can take confidence from a 48th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Baker County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Baker County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Baker County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 79th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Baker County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.3 points below the Oregon state average puts Baker County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Baker County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Baker County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Baker County?
How does Baker County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Baker County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Baker County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.