Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 98602
Appleton, Washington
Risk Summary for ZIP 98602
ZIP 98602 scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
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: ZIP 98602, Washington
Located in the Pacific Northwest, ZIP 98602 serves the Appleton community. The oceanic climate of this part of Washington — bringing mild, rainy winters west of the Cascades and semi-arid conditions to the east — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 98602's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Volcanic hazard exposure defines the local risk environment, driven by proximity to one of the most active volcanic systems in the United States. Secondary hazards include wildfire and avalanche.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 98602's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by volcano and wildfire, as measured by FEMA across Washington. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 98602'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 ZIP 98602: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 98602
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 98602 from other communities in Washington County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
320
RuralGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.9/10
Coordinates
45.8693° N, 121.2797° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 98602
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Washington
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.