Clallam County Disaster Risk
Clallam County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clallam County, Washington
Clallam County faces moderate natural hazards
With a composite risk score of 89.73, Clallam County ranks well above the national average in the relatively moderate risk category. The county's Olympic Peninsula location creates a distinct hazard profile shaped by geographic and tectonic features.
Third-highest risk in Washington
Clallam County's score of 89.73 ranks it among Washington's most hazardous counties, trailing only Clark (92.24) and Chelan (90.87). The county significantly exceeds the state average of 70.01, placing residents in the upper tier of state disaster risk.
Most hazardous on the Olympic Peninsula
Clallam County (89.73) faces considerably more risk than surrounding counties in western Washington, reflecting its unique geographic position and proximity to seismic zones. Its exposure significantly outpaces more sheltered communities across the Puget Sound.
Earthquakes and floods are primary threats
Clallam County residents face extreme earthquake risk at 98.06 and substantial flood risk at 75.00, making these the county's defining hazards. Wildfire risk (39.73) and tornado risk (11.96) are secondary concerns relative to these two dominant threats.
Earthquake coverage is absolutely essential
Clallam County's extreme earthquake risk score of 98.06 makes earthquake insurance a critical investment for all homeowners in the county. Additionally, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program should be a priority given the county's significant flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clallam County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clallam County
Risk Verdict
Clallam County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 90th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Clallam County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Clallam County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (40th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clallam County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 98th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 75th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Clallam County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Clallam County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Clallam County falls 19.7 points above Washington's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Clallam County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clallam County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clallam County?
How does Clallam County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Clallam County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clallam 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.