Klamath County Disaster Risk
Klamath County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% 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 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Klamath County, Oregon
Klamath faces moderate national risk
Klamath County's composite risk score of 77.93 puts it above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The Relatively Low state rating masks significant underlying hazards, particularly wildfire and earthquake risks. While not in the highest national tier, Klamath residents should maintain active hazard awareness.
Mid-range risk within Oregon
At 77.93, Klamath ranks in the middle tier of Oregon's 36 counties—notably above the state average of 63.43. The county sits between low-risk Lake (19.08) and high-risk Josephine (90.24), reflecting a balanced but still-concerning hazard profile. Klamath's position underscores that even mid-tier Oregon counties face substantial disaster risk.
Riskier than Lake, safer than Josephine
Klamath (77.93) sits between its rural neighbors: Lake County's very low 19.08 score and Josephine's elevated 90.24. Klamath's wildfire risk of 94.40 rivals Josephine's, though Klamath's earthquake risk (94.50) and flood risk (78.50) are somewhat lower. This positions Klamath as a moderate-to-elevated threat zone in south-central Oregon.
Wildfire and earthquakes top the list
Klamath's wildfire risk of 94.40 and earthquake risk of 94.50 are nearly identical and equally severe. The county's flood risk of 78.50 adds a third significant exposure, particularly relevant given Oregon's precipitation patterns. Tornado risk remains very low at 4.33, allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts elsewhere.
Bundle earthquake and wildfire coverage
Klamath homeowners must add earthquake insurance to standard policies, given the 94.50 seismic risk and proximity to fault zones. Review wildfire exclusions carefully; many insurers tighten coverage in high-risk zones, so early enrollment is critical. Combine insurance with defensible space maintenance—clearing brush and dead trees significantly reduces wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Klamath County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Klamath County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Klamath County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Klamath County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Klamath County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (78th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Klamath County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's wildfire risk at the 94th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Klamath County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 14.5 points above the Oregon state average, Klamath County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Oregon county.
Is your household prepared for Klamath County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Klamath County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Klamath County?
How does Klamath County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Klamath County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Klamath 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.