Coos County Disaster Risk
Coos County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Coos County, Oregon
Coos County: High National Risk
Coos County scores 91.89 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" national rating while exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average by 28 points. This southern Oregon county faces elevated exposure to multiple concurrent natural disasters.
Among Oregon's Highest-Risk Counties
Coos County ranks in Oregon's top tier by composite disaster risk, placing it well above the statewide median. Only a handful of Oregon counties score higher on overall natural disaster exposure.
Riskier Than Southern Oregon Peers
Coos County's 91.89 score exceeds neighboring Douglas and Lane counties, though it falls slightly below the state's riskiest coastal counties like Clatsop (95.07). Its position on the southern coast amplifies earthquake and flood threats compared to inland southern Oregon counties.
Earthquakes and Floods Lead Threats
Earthquake risk is exceptionally high at 98.35, positioning Coos County near major Cascadia Subduction Zone rupture zones, while flood risk of 87.40 reflects coastal storm surge and Coquille River systems. Wildfire risk (64.76) is moderate but increasing as fire seasons extend, while tornadoes (4.13) pose minimal threat.
Earthquake and Flood Insurance Essential
Coos County residents face compounded seismic and coastal flood threats requiring both earthquake and standard flood insurance. Tsunami preparedness is critical for coastal properties; establish evacuation plans and monitor sirens during major earthquakes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Coos County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Coos County
Risk Verdict
Coos County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 92th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Coos County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Coos County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (65th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Coos County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's flood risk at the 87th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Coos County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Coos County falls 28.5 points above Oregon's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Coos County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Coos County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Coos County?
How does Coos County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Coos County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Coos 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.