Natural Disaster Risk in Alsea

Natural Hazard Profile: Alsea, Oregon

Located in the Pacific Northwest in Benton County, Alsea is a small community of about 1,470. The oceanic climate that characterizes this part of Oregon — marked by mild, wet winters on the coast and semi-arid conditions inland — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Alsea a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Alsea's composite natural disaster risk at 5.3 out of 10 — moderate risk. Seismic activity is the dominant hazard, with the community situated in or near an active tectonic zone capable of producing damaging ground shaking. Residents should also account for landslide and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Alsea's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by earthquake and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Benton County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Alsea residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for earthquake is recommended.