Natural Disaster Risk in Sherwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Sherwood, Oregon

Located in the Pacific Northwest in Washington County, Sherwood is a city of approximately 27,933 residents. The oceanic climate that characterizes this part of Oregon — marked by mild, wet winters on the coast and semi-arid conditions inland — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Sherwood a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Sherwood'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, Sherwood'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 Washington County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Sherwood residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for earthquake and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.