Natural Disaster Risk in Multnomah County
Oregon
Risk Summary for Multnomah County
Multnomah County scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Multnomah County, Oregon
Situated in the United States, Multnomah County in Oregon experiences a oceanic climate marked by mild, wet winters on the coast and semi-arid conditions inland. A high wildfire risk period in the dry summer months is a defining feature of the regional hazard profile that affects residents and property owners countywide.
Multnomah County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. Secondary hazards include volcano and heat.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Multnomah County's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by earthquake and volcano, as measured by FEMA across Multnomah County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Multnomah 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.
What this means for Multnomah County: Earthquake preparedness
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
Cities in Multnomah County
ZIP codes in Multnomah County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.