Stevens County Disaster Risk
Stevens County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Stevens County, Washington
Stevens County's disaster risk profile
Stevens County scores 60.34 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and well below Washington's state average of 70.01. This means residents face fewer multi-hazard threats than most of the country, though certain risks still warrant preparation and awareness.
Among Washington's safest counties
Stevens County ranks relatively favorably within Washington, sitting below the state average for overall disaster risk. Its composite score of 60.34 reflects a quieter hazard environment compared to counties in western Washington and along the Columbia River.
Compared to neighboring counties
Stevens County's risk profile (60.34) mirrors Walla Walla County's (60.37) but significantly outpaces Whitman County to the south (39.76). Neighboring counties in the interior Pacific Northwest generally share Stevens's relatively moderate risk levels compared to western Washington's higher exposures.
Wildfire and flood pose greatest threats
Wildfire risk dominates Stevens County's hazard landscape at 96.47—among the highest in the state—driven by extensive forests and summer drought conditions. Flood risk reaches 68.61, reflecting the county's river systems and spring snowmelt patterns, while earthquake and tornado risks remain comparatively low.
Prepare for wildfire and water damage
Homeowners in Stevens County should prioritize wildfire insurance and ensure their properties meet defensible space standards, especially in forested areas. Consider flood insurance if you're near river valleys, and maintain emergency supplies and evacuation plans during fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Stevens County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Stevens County
Risk Verdict
At the 60th percentile nationally, Stevens County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Stevens County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Stevens County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Stevens County's primary hazard at the 96th percentile nationally. For Stevens 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. The county's flood exposure at the 69th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Stevens 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, Stevens County's composite score runs 9.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Stevens County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Stevens County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Stevens County?
How does Stevens County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Stevens County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Stevens 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.