Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% 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 High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Oregon
Jackson: Among Nation's Most Hazardous Counties
Jackson County scores 92.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the most disaster-prone counties in America. This relatively moderate risk rating reflects extreme exposure across wildfire, earthquake, and flood hazards, with nearly all scoring above 93. The county faces one of the nation's most complex natural disaster environments.
Oregon's Second-Most Hazardous County
Jackson's 92.53 composite score ranks it second only to Douglas County in Oregon's disaster risk hierarchy, far exceeding the state average of 63.43. Wildfire (99.05), earthquake (97.36), and flood (93.13) all score at near-maximum levels, creating compounded vulnerability. Jackson represents Oregon's second zone of exceptional multi-hazard concentration.
Nearly As Dangerous As Douglas County
Jackson's 92.53 score nearly matches Douglas County's 92.94, making them the state's two most hazardous communities by far. Both counties share wildfire and earthquake exposure above 97, creating nearly identical multi-hazard profiles. All other neighboring counties—from low-risk Grant (32.12) to moderate-risk Deschutes (84.92)—face substantially lower overall exposure.
Wildfire, Earthquake, Flood: Maximum Triple Threat
Jackson County faces the nation's highest wildfire risk at 99.05, combined with earthquake (97.36) and flood (93.13) risks that are nearly equally severe. This convergence of three maximum-level hazards creates exceptional compound disaster vulnerability. Tornado activity remains minimal at 6.52, providing the only area of reduced exposure.
Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Insurance Mandatory
Jackson residents must immediately secure wildfire and earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude both, leaving homes critically unprotected. Flood insurance is equally non-negotiable given the 93.13 risk score, especially for properties in designated zones. Consult a disaster-preparedness specialist to build a comprehensive insurance strategy for Oregon's second-most-hazardous county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County's overall risk score at the 93th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (93th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jackson County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Jackson County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's earthquake exposure at the 97th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Jackson 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
Compared to other Oregon counties, Jackson County runs 29.1 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Jackson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jackson 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.