Natural Disaster Risk in John Day
Oregon
Risk Summary for John Day
John Day scores 4.9/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: John Day, Oregon
John Day is a small community of about 2,265 in Grant 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 John Day.
FEMA rates John Day's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat from nearby active volcanoes tops the local risk profile, with potential hazards including ash fall that disrupts air travel and agriculture, and lava that threatens infrastructure. Residents should also account for avalanche and wildfire risk in their preparedness planning.
John Day's risk score, slightly below the 5.7/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Grant County, the highest-scoring are volcano, avalanche, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, John Day 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 volcano is recommended.
What this means for John Day: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
Local Factors for John Day
These city-level factors differentiate John Day from other communities in Grant County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,265
Small TownGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.4/10
Coordinates
44.4145° N, 118.9037° W
Grant County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for John Day
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in John Day
Other cities in Oregon
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.