Ferry County Disaster Risk
Ferry County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ferry County, Washington
Ferry County's Natural Disaster Risk
Ferry County scores 51.65 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting well below Washington's state average of 70.01. This makes Ferry one of the state's lower-risk counties for natural disasters overall.
Where Ferry Ranks in Washington
Ferry County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Washington for composite disaster hazards. The county's score of 51.65 is significantly below the state average, offering residents notably lower exposure to the full spectrum of natural hazards.
Compared to Your Neighbors
Ferry County has the lowest overall risk score among northeastern Washington counties, outperforming Douglas County (74.08) and Grant County (76.94). The county benefits from lower earthquake exposure (45.13) compared to coastal neighbors, though wildfire risk remains elevated at 97.36.
Your Top Threat: Wildfire Risk
Wildfire represents Ferry County's dominant hazard at 97.36, among the highest in the state, driven by extensive forests and seasonal fire conditions. Flood and earthquake risks are moderate at 52.32 and 45.13 respectively, while tornado exposure remains minimal at 4.36.
Focus on Wildfire Preparedness
Ferry County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space around homes, given the county's extreme fire exposure. Review evacuation routes annually and maintain brush clearance near structures, especially during dry months.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ferry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ferry County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 52th, Ferry County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ferry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Ferry County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 52th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Ferry County residents.
Regional Context
Ferry County falls 18.4 points below Washington's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Ferry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ferry County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Ferry County?
How does Ferry County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Ferry County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ferry 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.