Grant County Disaster Risk
Grant County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grant County, Oregon
Grant: Low Risk, But Wildfire Concerns
Grant County's composite score of 32.12 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, this masks a significant wildfire threat at 93.58, which dominates the county's hazard profile. The very low rating primarily reflects minimal earthquake, flood, and tornado activity.
A Low-Risk Oregon County with One Exception
Grant's 32.12 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's safer communities. Yet its 93.58 wildfire risk score exceeds most Oregon counties, creating a paradox of overall safety with concentrated fire vulnerability. The county occupies a middle ground between Gilliam's exceptional safety and the high-risk western counties.
Safer Than Deschutes and Jackson, Similar to Gilliam
Grant faces roughly ten times lower overall risk than nearby Deschutes (84.92) and Jackson (92.53), though wildfire exposure rivals or exceeds theirs. It sits slightly higher than Gilliam (2.74) and Harney (23.66) but lower than Hood River (32.06). The shared wildfire vulnerability across eastern Oregon contrasts with the region's generally low multi-hazard risk.
Wildfire Risk Dominates Grant's Hazard Profile
Wildfire at 93.58 represents Grant County's overwhelming concern, far outweighing other hazards. Flood risk of 50.19 creates moderate secondary exposure, while earthquake (23.41) and tornado (2.29) risks remain negligible. The landscape's natural fire susceptibility, combined with extended dry seasons, creates elevated burning conditions.
Wildfire Insurance and Prevention Are Essential
Grant residents should verify that wildfire damage is specifically covered in homeowners policies, as standard coverage often excludes it. Implement aggressive defensible space management—clearing vegetation within 100 feet of structures—to reduce fire exposure. Standard flood and earthquake coverage remains optional given the county's low exposure to these hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grant County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grant County
Risk Verdict
Grant County's overall natural disaster score at the 32th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Grant County can use the 32th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Grant County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), tornado (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 94th percentile nationally, Grant County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Grant County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's flood exposure at the 50th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Grant County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Grant County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Grant County's composite risk score sits 31.3 points below the Oregon county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Grant County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grant County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Grant County?
How does Grant County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Grant County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Grant 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.