Natural Disaster Risk in University Place
Washington
Risk Summary for University Place
University Place 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: University Place, Washington
University Place, in Pierce County, is a city of approximately 15,387 residents situated in the Pacific Northwest. Its oceanic climate brings mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east, and in particular a critical wildfire period in eastern Washington each summer. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that University Place residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, University Place carries an overall risk score of 7.6/10, placing it in the high category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and volcano.
Within Washington, University Place's risk is, considerably above the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Pierce County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and volcano. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
University Place'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 University Place: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- 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.
Local Factors for University Place
These city-level factors differentiate University Place from other communities in Pierce County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
15,387
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
47.2038° N, 122.5447° 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 University Place
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in University Place
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.