Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% 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 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Oregon
Jefferson: Very Low Risk Despite Earthquake Exposure
Jefferson County's composite score of 29.87 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, earthquake risk of 64.44 represents notable seismic vulnerability, creating a pocket of concentrated geologic hazard. The very low rating reflects minimal wildfire, flood, and tornado threats despite this singular concern.
A Safe County with Moderate Earthquake Risk
Jefferson's 29.87 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's low-risk communities. Yet its 64.44 earthquake risk moderately exceeds many Oregon counties, reflecting tectonic proximity despite overall safety. Wildfire (94.91), flood (36.64), and tornado (2.96) risks create a diverse but generally low-exposure profile.
Similarly Safe to Grant, Less Risky Than Hood River
Jefferson's overall risk closely mirrors Grant County (32.12) and trails Gilliam (2.74), but exceeds Harney (23.66) slightly. Its 64.44 earthquake risk ranks below Hood River (75.57) but substantially exceeds Gilliam and Harney, reflecting variable tectonic exposure. All neighbors face higher wildfire risk, creating Jefferson's distinctive seismic vulnerability.
Earthquake and Wildfire: Moderate Dual Concerns
Earthquake risk of 64.44 represents Jefferson's primary hazard, while wildfire at 94.91 creates substantial secondary exposure typical of eastern Oregon. Flood risk of 36.64 adds moderate concern in riparian zones, while tornado activity remains negligible at 2.96. The combination of moderate earthquake and significant wildfire sets Jefferson apart from purely low-risk neighbors.
Earthquake and Wildfire Coverage Recommended
Jefferson residents should consider earthquake insurance given the moderate risk of 64.44, particularly for older or unreinforced structures. Wildfire coverage is essential, as standard homeowners policies exclude it and the county's 94.91 risk remains substantial. Flood insurance is optional for most properties, though verify coverage if your home sits in designated zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Jefferson County ranks at the 30th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. The 30th percentile national ranking is one lens; Jefferson County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jefferson County sits at the 95th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Jefferson County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 64th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Jefferson County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 33.6 points below the Oregon state average, Jefferson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jefferson 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.