Hood River County Disaster Risk
Hood River County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hood River County, Oregon
Hood River: Low Risk Challenged by Seismic Activity
Hood River County's composite score of 32.06 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, earthquake risk of 75.57 significantly exceeds most U.S. counties, reflecting the county's position near major tectonic zones. The very low rating masks this substantial seismic vulnerability.
Low-Risk County with Notable Earthquake Threat
Hood River's 32.06 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's safer communities. Yet its 75.57 earthquake risk substantially exceeds most Oregon counties, creating unique vulnerability to ground shaking. Wildfire (94.78), flood (30.44), and tornado (6.55) risks complete a diverse hazard profile.
Safer Than Deschutes, Riskier Than Gilliam
Hood River faces slightly higher overall risk than Grant (32.12) but substantially less than Deschutes (84.92) and Jackson (92.53). Its earthquake risk of 75.57 significantly exceeds all neighbors including Deschutes (83.05), reflecting unique geological exposure. Wildfire vulnerability aligns with eastern Oregon patterns, while flood and tornado risks remain minimal.
Earthquake and Wildfire: Dual Primary Threats
Earthquake risk of 75.57 represents Hood River's most distinctive hazard, while wildfire at 94.78 creates a secondary but substantial concern. Flood risk of 30.44 adds moderate exposure, particularly in river valleys and drainage areas. Tornado activity remains negligible at 6.55, providing minimal threat.
Earthquake Insurance Critical for Hood River
Hood River residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's distinctive seismic vulnerability of 75.57. Wildfire coverage is equally essential, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude fire damage from natural wildfires. Verify flood insurance if your property sits in designated zones along the Hood River or other waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hood River County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hood River County
Risk Verdict
Hood River County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 32th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 32th percentile nationally is an advantage for Hood River County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hood River County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (30th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Hood River County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 95th percentile nationally. Hood River County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 76th percentile nationally means Hood River County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Hood River County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Oregon county average exceeds Hood River County's score by 31.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Hood River County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.