Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Washington
Adams County faces very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 23.22, Adams County ranks well below the national average and sits in the very low risk category. This means residents experience substantially lower exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties.
Among Washington's safest counties
Adams County's composite score of 23.22 sits far below Washington's state average of 70.01, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy protection from multiple hazard types that pose greater threats in other parts of Washington.
Safer than surrounding counties
Adams County's risk profile (23.22) is significantly lower than Benton County to the south (87.09) and Chelan County to the north (90.87). The county benefits from a relatively benign natural hazard environment compared to its more mountainous and flood-prone neighbors.
Wildfire is your primary concern
Wildfire risk registers at 85.21 in Adams County, making it the dominant natural hazard threat despite the county's overall low composite score. Earthquake risk (64.57) presents a secondary concern, though flood and tornado risks remain minimal at 34.32 and 7.19 respectively.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
While Adams County's overall risk is low, homeowners should ensure adequate wildfire insurance and earthquake coverage given those hazards' elevated scores. Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquake or wildfire damage, requiring separate endorsements or dedicated policies to protect your investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Adams County ranks at the 23th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Adams County residents can take confidence from a 23th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Adams County sits at the 85th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Adams 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. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 65th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Adams 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
At 46.8 points below the Washington state average, Adams County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Adams County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Adams 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.