Clackamas County Disaster Risk
Clackamas County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
95th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clackamas County, Oregon
Clackamas County: High-Risk Profile
Clackamas County scores 94.88 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" national rating and significantly exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average. This marks one of Oregon's riskiest counties, with multiple hazards combining to create elevated exposure.
Among Oregon's Riskiest Counties
Clackamas County ranks among the top tier of Oregon counties by composite disaster risk, placing it well above the statewide median. The county faces compounded threats from earthquakes, floods, and wildfires simultaneously.
Highest Risk in Portland Metro Area
Clackamas County's 94.88 score is the highest among Portland area counties—exceeding Marion (79.28), Washington, and Multnomah counties. Its location in the Willamette Valley and proximity to the Cascade Range expose it to convergent natural hazards.
Earthquakes, Floods, and Wildfires Threaten
Earthquake risk peaks at 98.60, among the nation's highest, while flood risk of 93.70 reflects major exposure to Clackamas and Molalla river systems. Wildfire risk of 86.77 increasingly affects eastern county communities as fire seasons intensify, and even tornado risk (38.10) exceeds national averages.
Prepare for Multiple Hazards Aggressively
Clackamas County residents need earthquake, flood, and comprehensive homeowners insurance to cover the full spectrum of regional threats. Seismic retrofitting, backup generators, and evacuation plans are equally important for a county facing compounding disaster risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clackamas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clackamas County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Clackamas County is notably high, placing it at the 95th percentile among all U.S. counties. Clackamas County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Clackamas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (87th percentile), tornado (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Clackamas County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's flood risk at the 94th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Clackamas County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 31.4 points above the Oregon state average puts Clackamas County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Clackamas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clackamas County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Clackamas County?
How does Clackamas County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Clackamas County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clackamas County higher risk than average?
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.