Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County

Natural Hazard Profile: Jackson County, Oregon

Jackson County is located in the United States in Oregon, home to roughly 222,969 residents. The county 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 natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Jackson County 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.

Jackson County'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.

Jackson County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.