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FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Lane County Disaster Risk

Lane County, Oregon

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

96th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 36 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

97th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 99% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lane County, Oregon

Lane ranks among highest-risk counties

Lane County's composite risk score of 96.41 places it near the top tier of natural disaster exposure nationwide. The Relatively High rating reflects extreme earthquake (98.76) and flood (97.20) risks that few American counties match. Lane faces a hazard profile comparable to counties in California's seismic zones or Gulf Coast flood plains.

Oregon's most at-risk county

Lane County ranks first among Oregon's 36 counties with a composite score of 96.41—far above the state average of 63.43. The county's extreme earthquake and flood risks push it into Oregon's highest risk category. Lane's exposure rivals or exceeds some of the nation's most hazard-prone regions.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Lane (96.41) dramatically outpaces neighboring Linn (88.10) and Lincoln (89.95) counties on composite risk. Lane's flood risk of 97.20 and earthquake risk of 98.76 are exceptionally high compared to regional peers. This concentration of hazard exposure in Lane reflects its major urban centers and river-based geography.

Earthquakes and floods pose extreme threats

Lane faces earthquake risk of 98.76 and flood risk of 97.20—two of Oregon's most dangerous exposures. Tornado risk of 20.96, while elevated statewide, is the county's third concern. The combination of seismic and hydrologic hazards makes Lane exceptionally vulnerable to cascading disaster scenarios.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Lane County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance and verify flood coverage—both are non-negotiable given the extreme 98.76 and 97.20 risks. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and may exclude flood; ensure separate riders are in place. Review coverage annually, as Lane's hazard exposure may trigger policy restrictions or premium increases.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lane County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    97th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    69th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Lane County

Risk Verdict

With a national rank of 96th percentile, Lane County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Lane County.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Lane County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (69th percentile), tornado (21th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Lane County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 97th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Lane County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Lane County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.

Regional Context

Lane County falls 33.0 points above Oregon's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Lane County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Lane County, OR?
Lane County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 96th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Lane County?
Lane County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (99th percentile), flooding (97th percentile), wildfire (69th percentile), tornado (21th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 99th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Lane County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Lane County's composite risk percentile is 96th, compared to the Oregon state average of 63th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Lane County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oregon.
Is Lane County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Lane County's earthquake risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Lane County is at the 97th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Lane County higher risk than average?
Lane County's composite risk score of 96th percentile is above the Oregon state average of 63th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (99th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Washington County

Oregon

-0.4

Relatively High

96th percentile

Marion County

Oregon

-0.9

Relatively High

96th percentile

Clatsop County

Oregon

-1.3

Relatively High

95th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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