Natural Disaster Risk in Umatilla County

Natural Hazard Profile: Umatilla County, Oregon

Umatilla County is located in the United States in Oregon, home to roughly 79,888 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.

FEMA rates Umatilla County's composite natural disaster risk at 7.5 out of 10 — high 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 wildfire and avalanche risk in their preparedness planning.

Umatilla County's risk score, considerably above the 5.7/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Umatilla County, the highest-scoring are volcano, wildfire, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Umatilla 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.