Natural Disaster Risk in Ashland

Natural Hazard Profile: Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is a city of approximately 26,512 residents in Jackson County, in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. The area experiences mild, wet winters on the coast and semi-arid conditions inland, with a high wildfire risk period in the dry summer months shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Ashland.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Ashland carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and volcano.

Ashland's risk score, near the 5.7/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Jackson County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, earthquake, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Ashland residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wildfire and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.