Pacific County Disaster Risk
Pacific County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
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 28% 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 High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pacific County, Washington
Pacific County's moderate disaster risk
Pacific County scores 92.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively moderate risk category nationally. This means Pacific residents face more frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's risk profile reflects significant earthquake and flood threats concentrated in specific geographic areas.
Third-riskiest county in Washington
Among Washington's 39 counties, Pacific ranks third for overall disaster risk, trailing only Pierce and Snohomish counties. This elevated ranking is driven primarily by a 95.13 earthquake risk score—among the highest in the state—combined with substantial flood risk at 75.00. Most Washington counties score between 28 and 50 on the composite scale, making Pacific's 92.75 notably high.
Riskier than most Puget Sound neighbors
Pacific County's 92.75 score exceeds nearby Thurston County's risk level and is comparable to Skagit County (88.77), though both counties face different hazard mixes. Pacific's earthquake risk (95.13) is substantially higher than Skamania County's (87.09), reflecting its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. However, Pacific's wildfire risk (27.70) is much lower than mountain counties like Skamania (93.92).
Earthquakes and floods dominate here
Earthquake risk at 95.13 is Pacific County's defining threat, reflecting the region's location atop the Cascadia Subduction Zone where a major quake could trigger widespread damage and tsunami risk along coastal areas. Flood risk scores 75.00, particularly acute in river valleys and communities near the Willapa Hills and Chehalis River watershed. Tornado risk remains minimal at 7.25, so preparation should focus on seismic and flood resilience rather than storm shelters.
Earthquake and flood insurance essential
Pacific County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies and covers damage from ground shaking and liquefaction. Flood insurance is equally critical—standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, and nearly three-quarters of Pacific County's risk score reflects flood exposure. Review your property's flood zone status at FEMA's flood maps and consider retrofitting your home's foundation for seismic resilience.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pacific County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pacific County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pacific County at the 93th 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
Earthquake risk is Pacific County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (28th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 95th percentile nationally puts Pacific County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Pacific County's flood risk at the 75th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Pacific County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Pacific County is 22.7 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 Pacific County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pacific County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Pacific County?
How does Pacific County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Pacific County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pacific 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.