Pierce County Disaster Risk
Pierce County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
96th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% 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 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pierce County, Washington
Pierce County faces relatively high risks
Pierce County scores 98.54 on the composite risk scale, far exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01 and placing it in the relatively high risk category nationally. This means Pierce residents face more frequent and severe natural hazards than most American counties. The county's dense population and geography create compounded disaster exposure across multiple hazard types.
Second-highest disaster risk in Washington
Pierce County ranks second statewide for overall disaster risk, trailing only Snohomish County (97.87) and ahead of Pacific County (92.75). Pierce's highest scores are earthquake (99.55), flood (96.22), and wildfire (76.78), reflecting major vulnerabilities across three critical hazard types. Only two Washington counties score above 95, making Pierce's profile exceptionally risky by state standards.
Riskiest in the greater Puget Sound
Pierce County's 98.54 score is slightly higher than neighboring Snohomish County (97.87) and substantially higher than Thurston County (approximately 60-65 range). Both Pierce and Snohomish share similar earthquake (99+ range) and flood (95+) profiles due to their Puget Sound proximity and Cascadia Subduction Zone exposure. Pierce's tornado risk (41.22) is also higher than Thurston's, reflecting broader storm exposure in the southern Sound region.
Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes converge
Earthquake risk dominates at 99.55—Pierce County sits directly above the Cascadia Subduction Zone, making a major seismic event the county's most catastrophic potential threat. Flood risk (96.22) affects river valleys and low-lying urban areas, while tornado risk (41.22) is surprisingly significant for a western Washington county, exceeding many Midwest communities. Together, these three hazards create a complex insurance and preparedness challenge for homeowners.
Multi-hazard insurance strategy required
Pierce County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance, which is separate from standard homeowners policies, and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if in a mapped flood zone. Review your property's location relative to tsunami hazard zones and evacuation routes—Mount Rainier's lahars also threaten some communities in the county's eastern regions. Consider a home safety audit addressing seismic bracing, flood barriers, and storm-resistant upgrades.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pierce County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pierce County
Risk Verdict
Pierce County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pierce County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (77th percentile), tornado (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Pierce County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's flood risk at the 96th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Pierce County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Pierce County's composite risk score sits 28.5 points above the Washington county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pierce County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pierce County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Pierce County?
How does Pierce County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Pierce County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pierce 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.