Morrow County Disaster Risk
Morrow County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% 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 Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morrow County, Oregon
Morrow County risks well below national average
With a composite risk score of 26.37, Morrow County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects a county where most hazards pose minimal threat, though wildfire remains an exception worth monitoring.
Among Oregon's safest counties
Morrow County's composite score of 26.37 places it well below Oregon's state average of 63.43, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Only a handful of Oregon counties experience comparable safety levels across multiple hazard types.
Safer than surrounding counties
Morrow County's score of 26.37 substantially undercuts nearby Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman counties, which face higher composite risks. The county's relatively arid geography and sparse development contribute to lower overall exposure compared to neighbors.
Wildfire is Morrow's primary hazard
Wildfire risk scores 91.95—nearly the highest in the county—reflecting the dry grassland environment typical of Eastern Oregon. Earthquake risk (57.92) poses a secondary concern, though flood and tornado threats remain minimal.
Prioritize wildfire coverage now
Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage; Morrow County residents should verify coverage or purchase a separate policy. Given your county's very low overall risk, basic earthquake and flood riders may provide sufficient protection at reasonable cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morrow County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morrow County
Risk Verdict
Morrow County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 26th percentile nationally. At the 26th percentile nationally, Morrow County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Morrow County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Morrow County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 58th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Morrow County residents.
Regional Context
Morrow County falls 37.1 points below Oregon's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Morrow County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morrow County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Morrow County?
How does Morrow County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Morrow County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Morrow 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.