Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
96th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% 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 Marion County, Oregon
Marion ranks near the nation's highest risk
Marion County's composite risk score of 95.52 places it among America's most hazard-exposed counties, earning a Relatively High rating. The county's earthquake risk of 99.08 is nearly maximal, while flood risk of 90.52 creates compounding vulnerabilities. Marion's risk profile rivals seismically active zones in California or flood-prone Gulf Coast regions.
Oregon's second-highest risk county
Marion ranks second among Oregon's 36 counties at 95.52—surpassed only by Lane (96.41) and well above the state average of 63.43. Marion's extreme earthquake and flood risks place it in Oregon's highest-risk tier. The county's central Willamette Valley location concentrates these seismic and hydrologic hazards.
Riskier than most Willamette Valley peers
Marion (95.52) substantially exceeds nearby Linn (88.10) and sits just behind Lane (96.41) on composite risk. Marion's earthquake risk of 99.08 is the highest in the state, while its flood risk of 90.52 only trails Lane's 97.20. This makes Marion Oregon's inland hazard hotspot.
Earthquakes and floods are extreme threats
Marion faces near-maximal earthquake risk of 99.08 and severe flood risk of 90.52—two of Oregon's most dangerous exposures. Tornado risk of 22.46 is notably elevated statewide, adding a third concern to Marion's hazard profile. The combination of seismic, hydrologic, and atmospheric hazards makes Marion exceptionally vulnerable.
Earthquake and flood insurance non-negotiable
Marion County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance—the 99.08 risk makes it essential, not optional. Flood insurance is equally critical, particularly for Willamette River basin properties; verify separate flood coverage since standard policies exclude it. Review all coverage annually; Marion's extreme hazard exposure may trigger premium changes or coverage restrictions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Marion County is notably high, placing it at the 96th percentile among all U.S. counties. Marion County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (60th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Marion County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's flood risk at the 91th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Marion County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 32.1 points above the Oregon state average puts Marion County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Marion County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marion 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.