Natural Disaster Risk in Chelan County
Washington
Risk Summary for Chelan County
Chelan County scores 6.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
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: Chelan County, Washington
Chelan County is located in the United States in Washington, home to roughly 78,989 residents. The county experiences mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east, with a critical wildfire period in eastern Washington each summer 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.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Chelan County carries an overall risk score of 6.5/10, placing it in the high category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and volcano.
Chelan County's risk score, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Chelan County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, avalanche, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Chelan 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 Chelan County: Wildfire preparedness
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
Cities in Chelan County
ZIP codes in Chelan County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.