Spokane County Disaster Risk
Spokane County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% 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 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Spokane County, Washington
Spokane County faces moderate disaster risk
Spokane County scores 89.98 on the composite risk scale, well above Washington's state average of 70.01 and in the relatively moderate risk category nationally. This means Spokane residents face more frequent or severe natural hazard exposure than the typical American county. The county's large population and geographic diversity create multiple interconnected disaster threats concentrated in specific hazard types.
Fifth-riskiest county in Washington
Spokane County ranks fifth statewide for overall disaster risk, behind Pierce (98.54), Snohomish (97.87), Pacific (92.75), and Skagit (88.77) counties. Spokane's composite score of 89.98 reflects exceptionally high wildfire risk (96.56), significant flood risk (91.60), and notable tornado risk (42.68). The county's eastern Washington location creates a distinctly different hazard profile from coastal counties, with wildfire dominating rather than earthquake threats.
Riskiest in eastern Washington region
Spokane County's 89.98 score substantially exceeds neighboring Pend Oreille County (28.02) to the north and most other eastern Washington counties, making it the region's clear risk leader. Spokane's wildfire risk (96.56) is the highest east of the Cascades and comparable to western Washington's seismic threats. Yakima County to the south has a similar wildfire-dominated profile but lower overall composite risk, while Grant and Lincoln counties are substantially safer.
Wildfires, floods, and tornadoes collide
Wildfire risk dominates at 96.56, making Spokane County one of Washington's most fire-prone regions—exceeded only by Skamania County (93.92)—due to extensive forestlands and summer drought conditions typical of eastern Washington. Flood risk (91.60) affects the Spokane River and tributary systems, particularly during spring snowmelt and occasional severe winter storms. Tornado risk (42.68) is surprisingly significant, comparable to Pierce County and reflecting the region's thunderstorm exposure during spring and early summer.
Wildfire insurance and flood preparedness
Spokane County homeowners should ensure standard homeowners policies include adequate wildfire coverage and understand exclusions related to forest fire damage—the county's 96.56 wildfire risk makes this critical. Obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if your property is in the Spokane River floodplain or other mapped flood zones. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees and brush within 30 feet, use fire-resistant roofing materials, and establish an evacuation plan for fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Spokane County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Spokane County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Spokane County at the 90th 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
Wildfire risk is Spokane County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (86th percentile), tornado (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 97th percentile nationally, Spokane 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 Spokane County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary flood exposure at the 92th percentile nationally means Spokane 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 Spokane County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Spokane County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Spokane County is 20.0 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 Spokane County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Spokane County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Spokane County?
How does Spokane County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Spokane County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Spokane 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.