Lake County Disaster Risk
Lake County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lake County, Oregon
Lake County sits below national risk
Lake County's composite risk score of 19.08 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. This makes Lake one of the safest counties in the United States for natural disasters. However, wildfire and earthquake risks still merit attention despite the overall low profile.
Oregon's least risky county
At 19.08, Lake County has the lowest composite risk score among all 36 Oregon counties—far below the state average of 63.43. Lake's very low rating reflects its remote, sparsely populated geography in south-central Oregon. Even Oregon's safest county faces modest wildfire and earthquake exposure that residents should prepare for.
Dramatically safer than Klamath and Josephine
Lake County (19.08) is dramatically safer than adjacent Klamath (77.93) and Josephine (90.24) counties. Lake's wildfire risk of 89.22 matches regional peers, but its low composite score reflects minimal flood and earthquake exposure. This dramatic disparity shows how geography and development patterns drive disaster risk within a single region.
Wildfire dominates Lake's risk profile
Lake County's wildfire risk of 89.22 is its most serious exposure, though still manageable given the county's low population density. Earthquake risk (72.90) and flood risk (37.60) present minor concerns by comparison. Tornado risk remains negligible at 2.04.
Standard coverage usually sufficient here
Lake County's low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection, though wildfire riders should still be reviewed. Earthquake insurance is optional here given the 72.90 risk, but consider it for added peace of mind. Focus preparedness dollars on wildfire mitigation—clearing defensible space and using fire-resistant materials.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lake County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lake County
Risk Verdict
Lake County's overall natural disaster score at the 19th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 19th percentile, Lake County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lake County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), tornado (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 89th percentile nationally, Lake 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 Lake County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 73th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Lake County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Lake County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Lake County's composite risk score sits 44.3 points below the Oregon county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Lake County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lake County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Lake County?
How does Lake County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Lake County at risk for wildfire?
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Is Lake 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.