Pend Oreille County Disaster Risk
Pend Oreille County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pend Oreille County, Washington
Pend Oreille has very low disaster risk
Pend Oreille County scores just 28.02 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the very low risk category nationally. This northeastern county faces significantly less frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. Its remote location and terrain create a relatively favorable disaster risk profile compared to western Washington communities.
One of Washington's safest counties
Pend Oreille ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Washington, with a 28.02 score that places it in the bottom tier alongside San Juan County (35.37) and Skamania County (49.68). The county's low rating reflects minimal tornado (5.92) and earthquake (27.67) risks, though wildfire exposure is notable at 76.88. Most of Washington's most-developed Puget Sound counties score above 85, making Pend Oreille's profile unusually protective.
Safer than most of eastern Washington
Pend Oreille's 28.02 score is substantially lower than Spokane County (89.98) to its south and similar to remote San Juan County (35.37). The county's wildfire risk (76.88) is higher than its earthquake risk (27.67), contrasting with western Washington counties where seismic threats dominate. Ferry County and Stevens County, Pend Oreille's other neighbors, share similarly low composite scores.
Wildfire is the primary concern
Wildfire risk at 76.88 is Pend Oreille County's most significant threat, reflecting the extensive forests covering this region and seasonal fire season patterns common to the northern Rockies. Flood risk (54.33) is moderate and primarily affects communities near the Pend Oreille River and smaller creek systems. Earthquake (27.67) and tornado (5.92) risks are minimal, so wildfire preparedness should be the household priority.
Wildfire insurance and defensible space
Pend Oreille homeowners should ensure their standard homeowners policies include adequate wildfire coverage and understand any exclusions related to forest fire damage. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees and brush within 30 feet of structures, and use fire-resistant roofing and siding materials. Review evacuation routes and sign up for local emergency alerts during fire season, typically June through October.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pend Oreille County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pend Oreille County
Risk Verdict
Pend Oreille County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 28th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 28th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pend Oreille County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pend Oreille County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Pend Oreille County's primary hazard at the 77th percentile nationally. For Pend Oreille County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary flood exposure at the 54th percentile nationally means Pend Oreille County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Pend Oreille County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Washington county average, Pend Oreille County's composite score runs 42.0 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Pend Oreille County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pend Oreille County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Pend Oreille County?
How does Pend Oreille County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Pend Oreille County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pend Oreille 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.