Wheeler County Disaster Risk
Wheeler County, Oregon
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 36 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wheeler County, Oregon
Wheeler County has very low disaster risk
Wheeler County scores just 7.16 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and among the safest counties nationally. This exceptionally low score reflects Wheeler's relatively isolated geography and limited exposure to most major natural disasters.
Oregon's lowest-risk county
Wheeler County's 7.16 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, making it the state's least hazard-prone county by a substantial margin. This position reflects the county's unique geography and demographic profile compared to more developed areas of Oregon.
Wheeler stands apart as the safest county
Wheeler County's overall risk (7.16) is dramatically lower than Wasco (67.81) and Yamhill (82.86), and it ranks last among regional peers across almost every hazard category. Wildfire presents Wheeler's only meaningful comparative vulnerability at 88.74, though even this score remains below Wasco's 98.09.
Wildfire is Wheeler's primary natural hazard
Wheeler County's wildfire risk of 88.74 dominates its disaster exposure, reflecting the county's vast rangeland and forest acreage vulnerable to seasonal burning. All other hazards—earthquake (17.88), flood (12.31), and tornado (1.24)—pose minimal threat, making wildfire the clear priority for emergency preparedness.
Wildfire insurance and defensible space matter most
Wheeler County residents should verify their homeowners policies include wildfire coverage and create defensible space around structures through vegetation management and fuel reduction. Given the county's low overall risk profile, residents typically need less extensive coverage than those in higher-risk Oregon counties, but wildfire preparedness remains essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wheeler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wheeler County
Risk Verdict
Wheeler County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 7th percentile nationally. At the 7th percentile nationally, Wheeler 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 Wheeler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (12th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Wheeler County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 89th percentile nationally. Wheeler County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 18th percentile nationally means Wheeler County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Wheeler County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Oregon county average exceeds Wheeler County's score by 56.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Wheeler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wheeler County, OR?
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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.