Natural Disaster Risk in Seaside

Natural Hazard Profile: Seaside, Oregon

Seaside is a city of approximately 11,035 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 Seaside.

FEMA rates Seaside'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.

Seaside'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.

With a moderate risk rating, Seaside 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 tsunami is recommended.