Natural Disaster Risk in Fife
Washington
Risk Summary for Fife
Fife scores 7.6/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
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: Fife, Washington
Located in the Pacific Northwest in Pierce County, Fife is a city of approximately 11,816 residents. The oceanic climate that characterizes this part of Washington — marked by mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Fife a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Fife's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.6/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. Secondary hazards include earthquake and volcano.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Fife's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by avalanche and earthquake, as measured by FEMA across Pierce County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Fife'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 Fife: Avalanche preparedness
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
Local Factors for Fife
These city-level factors differentiate Fife from other communities in Pierce County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
11,816
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 47.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 8.0/10
Coordinates
47.2343° N, 122.3523° W
Pierce County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Fife
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Fife
Other cities in Washington
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.