Walla Walla County Disaster Risk
Walla Walla County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Walla Walla County, Washington
Walla Walla County shows moderate risk overall
Walla Walla County scores 60.37 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly below Washington's state average of 70.01. The county sits in a comfortable middle ground compared to the nation's highest-risk regions.
Below-average risk within Washington
Walla Walla County ranks favorably within Washington's disaster risk spectrum, with a composite score of 60.37 that sits beneath the state average. Its position reflects a more manageable hazard environment than western Washington counties.
Comparable to Stevens County to the north
Walla Walla County's risk score of 60.37 closely mirrors Stevens County (60.34) and outpaces Whitman County (39.76) to the north. Both counties experience similar wildfire and earthquake exposure across the interior Pacific Northwest.
Wildfire and earthquake dominate threats
Wildfire risk peaks at 83.52 in Walla Walla County, driven by dry summers, grassland fuels, and proximity to eastern Oregon's fire-prone terrain. Earthquake risk of 90.55 reflects proximity to the Blue Mountains and broader Cascadia subduction system, while floods (64.79) occur mainly along river corridors.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Walla Walla County homeowners should ensure wildfire insurance and defensible space clearance around structures, especially in foothill and rural areas. Earthquake coverage is strongly recommended given the 90.55 risk score, and those near the Walla Walla River should verify flood insurance status.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Walla Walla County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Walla Walla County
Risk Verdict
Walla Walla County's FEMA risk score places it at the 60th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Walla Walla County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 91th percentile nationally, Walla Walla County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's wildfire risk at the 84th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Walla Walla County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 9.6 points below the Washington state average, Walla Walla County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Walla Walla County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Walla Walla County, WA?
What types of natural hazards affect Walla Walla County?
How does Walla Walla County risk compare to the Washington average?
Is Walla Walla County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Walla Walla 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.