Natural Disaster Risk in Astoria

Natural Hazard Profile: Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is a city of approximately 17,993 residents in Clatsop County, in the Pacific Northwest. 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 Astoria.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Astoria carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal tsunami exposure is the dominant hazard concern, with the regional tectonic environment capable of generating both local and distant-source tsunami waves. The area also faces notable exposure to coastal flood and volcano.

Astoria'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 Clatsop County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, coastal flood, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Astoria's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that tsunami exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.