Natural Disaster Risk in Cannon Beach

Natural Hazard Profile: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a small community of about 1,135 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 Cannon Beach.

FEMA rates Cannon Beach's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for coastal flood and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.

Cannon Beach'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.

Cannon Beach'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.