Natural Disaster Risk in Tacoma
Washington
Risk Summary for Tacoma
Tacoma 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: Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is a city of approximately 35,961 residents in Pierce County, in the Pacific Northwest. The area 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 pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Tacoma.
FEMA rates Tacoma's composite natural disaster risk at 7.6 out of 10 — high risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for earthquake and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.
Tacoma's risk score, considerably above the 5.8/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Pierce County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, earthquake, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Tacoma residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for avalanche 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.
What this means for Tacoma: Avalanche preparedness
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Tacoma
These city-level factors differentiate Tacoma from other communities in Pierce County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
35,961
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
47.2093° N, 122.4114° 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 Tacoma
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Tacoma
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.