Whitman County Disaster Risk
Whitman County, Washington
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 39 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Whitman County, Washington
Whitman County has low comprehensive risk
Whitman County scores 39.76 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and standing substantially below Washington's state average of 70.01. This Pullman-anchored county ranks among the nation's safest regions for multi-hazard exposure.
One of Washington's safest counties
Whitman County ranks favorably within Washington's disaster risk spectrum, with a composite score of 39.76 that places it among the state's lowest-exposure counties. Its interior Palouse position provides natural protection from many regional hazards.
Significantly safer than Stevens County
Whitman County's risk score of 39.76 is notably lower than Stevens County (60.34) and Walla Walla County (60.37) to the east and south. It maintains some of the lowest hazard exposure across eastern Washington.
Wildfire and flood pose modest threats
Wildfire risk of 68.26 represents Whitman County's primary hazard, driven by grasslands and periodic drought, though it remains moderate compared to eastern counties. Flood risk of 58.84 affects areas near the Snake River and tributary valleys during spring runoff.
Standard insurance typically adequate
Whitman County's low overall risk means homeowners generally need less specialized coverage than residents elsewhere in Washington. However, those in flood-prone valleys should verify flood insurance, and wildfire clearance remains prudent in open grassland areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Whitman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Whitman County
Risk Verdict
Whitman County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Whitman County's favorable 40th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Whitman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (55th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 68th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Whitman County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary flood exposure at the 59th percentile nationally means Whitman County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Whitman County residents.
Regional Context
Whitman County falls 30.2 points below Washington's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Whitman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Whitman County, WA?
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Is Whitman 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.