Natural Disaster Risk in Wasco County

Natural Hazard Profile: Wasco County, Oregon

Wasco County is located in the United States in Oregon, home to roughly 26,599 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 Wasco County's composite natural disaster risk at 5.6 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 wildfire and avalanche risk in their preparedness planning.

Wasco County'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 Wasco 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.

With a moderate risk rating, Wasco County 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.