Chelan County Disaster Risk
Chelan County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 39 (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
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chelan County, Washington
Chelan County faces high disaster exposure
Chelan County's composite risk score of 90.87 places it in the relatively moderate risk category, significantly above the national average. This central Washington county experiences serious natural hazard threats that demand active preparedness.
Among Washington's most hazardous counties
Chelan County ranks second-highest in Washington with a composite score of 90.87, exceeding the state average of 70.01 by 30%. Only Clark County (92.24) faces greater overall disaster risk in the state.
Highest risk in the central region
Chelan County (90.87) faces more risk than nearby Adams County (23.22) and Asotin County (17.91), but matches the hazard exposure of other central and eastern Washington counties. Its mountain terrain and position relative to earthquake zones create a particularly dangerous natural environment.
Extreme wildfire and earthquake hazards
Chelan County experiences the state's highest wildfire risk at 99.55 and severe earthquake risk at 88.77, combining to create exceptional hazard exposure. Flood risk (91.25) represents a secondary but still serious concern, while tornado risk remains relatively low at 9.26.
Earthquake and wildfire coverage non-negotiable
Chelan County residents must carry both earthquake insurance and wildfire protection given the county's extreme scores in these categories. These specialized coverages fall outside standard homeowners policies and require separate policies or substantial endorsements to ensure your home is protected.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chelan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chelan County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chelan County at the 91th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Chelan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (89th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 100th percentile nationally, Chelan County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Chelan County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 91th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Chelan County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Chelan County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Chelan County is 20.9 composite risk points above the Washington average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Chelan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chelan County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Chelan County?
How does Chelan County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Chelan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chelan 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.