Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Oregon
Lincoln's disaster risk exceeds U.S. average
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 89.95 sits well above the national average, reflecting Relatively Moderate exposure. The county's earthquake risk of 97.77 is particularly severe, placing it among America's most seismically vulnerable regions. Combined with substantial flood risk, Lincoln faces hazard exposure comparable to many high-risk coastal areas.
Third-riskiest county in Oregon
Lincoln ranks third among Oregon's 36 counties at 89.95—significantly above the state average of 63.43. Only Lane and Marion counties exceed Lincoln's composite risk score. Lincoln's coastal location drives both earthquake (97.77) and flood (86.58) vulnerabilities that dominate the county's hazard profile.
Riskier than coastal and inland peers
Lincoln (89.95) outpaces nearby Lane (96.41)—wait, correction: Lane is riskier. Lincoln (89.95) exceeds Linn (88.10) and significantly surpasses Lake (19.08). Lincoln's position on Oregon's central coast amplifies both earthquake and flood risks compared to inland counties. This coastal vulnerability is the defining feature of Lincoln's risk profile.
Earthquakes and floods threaten Lincoln
Lincoln's extreme earthquake risk of 97.77 is its most critical hazard, reflecting the county's position near the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Flood risk of 86.58 compounds coastal vulnerability, while wildfire risk (50.80) remains elevated but secondary. Tornado risk of 11.20 poses minimal threat by comparison.
Earthquake and flood coverage are critical
Lincoln County residents must obtain earthquake insurance—the 97.77 risk makes it non-optional for any serious homeowner. Verify flood coverage separately, as standard homeowners policies exclude it; proximity to the coast makes flood insurance a legitimate financial necessity. Consider working with an insurance broker experienced in coastal Oregon hazards to optimize coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (51th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Lincoln County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's flood risk at the 87th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Lincoln County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Lincoln County's composite risk score sits 26.5 points above the Oregon county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.