Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% 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 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County's Natural Disaster Risk
Franklin County scores 72.49 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting slightly above Washington's state average of 70.01. The county's risk profile reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types.
Where Franklin Ranks in Washington
Franklin County ranks in the mid-range among Washington's 39 counties, with a score of 72.49 that places it near the state average. The county faces more cumulative risk than Ferry or Garfield counties, but less than high-risk coastal areas.
Compared to Your Neighbors
Franklin County's risk (72.49) falls between lower-risk Ferry County (51.65) and higher-risk Grant County (76.94) in the Columbia Basin region. The county shares similar flood and wildfire vulnerabilities with neighboring Benton County, driven by agricultural and sagebrush landscapes.
Your Top Threats: Flood and Wildfire
Flood risk ranks highest at 83.52, reflecting the county's position near the Snake and Columbia rivers and seasonal irrigation infrastructure. Wildfire exposure is substantial at 84.61, while earthquake risk at 80.69 exceeds the state average, though tornado risk remains low at 12.53.
Secure Flood and Fire Coverage
Franklin County residents in floodplain areas should obtain flood insurance separate from homeowners policies through the National Flood Insurance Program. Ensure your policy covers both flood and wildfire damage, and clear vegetation near structures during fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Franklin County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 72th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Franklin County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 85th percentile nationally, Franklin 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 Franklin County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary flood exposure at the 84th percentile nationally means Franklin County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Franklin County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Franklin County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Franklin County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Washington county average, with a 2.5-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Franklin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin 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.