Umatilla County Disaster Risk
Umatilla County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Umatilla County, Oregon
Umatilla County faces elevated national risk
Umatilla County's composite risk score of 82.28 and Relatively Moderate rating substantially exceed the U.S. average. The county confronts significant wildfire (96.15) and flood (81.46) hazards compounded by seismic exposure.
Umatilla ranks high among Oregon counties
At 82.28, Umatilla County's composite score substantially exceeds Oregon's 63.43 state average, ranking among the state's highest-risk counties. Wildfire threat and flood exposure place Umatilla in Oregon's upper tier.
Riskier than most regional counterparts
Umatilla's score of 82.28 surpasses nearby Wallowa (lower), Morrow (much lower), and Union counties. The county's agricultural landscape and river systems drive elevated flood and wildfire exposure relative to neighbors.
Wildfires and floods threaten Umatilla
Wildfire risk reaches 96.15—among the highest in Oregon—reflecting eastern Oregon's dry grasslands and frequent fire seasons. Flood risk scores 81.46, with the Umatilla River, John Day River, and tributary systems posing seasonal inundation threats.
Wildfire and flood insurance essential
Umatilla residents must secure wildfire riders to standard policies, as exclusions are common; budget 10–20% of home value. Flood insurance is equally critical, especially for properties near river corridors or in mapped floodplains.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Umatilla County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Umatilla County
Risk Verdict
At the 82th percentile nationally, Umatilla County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Umatilla County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Umatilla County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (81th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Umatilla County sits at the 96th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Umatilla County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's earthquake exposure at the 87th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Umatilla County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Oregon county average is 18.9 composite points below Umatilla County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Umatilla County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Umatilla County, OR?
What types of natural hazards affect Umatilla County?
How does Umatilla County risk compare to the Oregon average?
Is Umatilla County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Umatilla 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.