Harney County, Oregon Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OR
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Harney County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 23.7, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Harney County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 23.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Harney County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $7K in expected annual loss and about 2.38 events per year; and volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at Very Low risk — $104 in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Harney County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Harney County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 2 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Falls Fire (fire), declared in July 2024.
Among 36 Oregon counties, Harney County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 2.38 / yr | $7K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $104 |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.28 / yr | $70K |
| Lightning | Low | 18.78 / yr | $110K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $72K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.90 / yr | $79K |
| Drought | Very Low | 128.69 / yr | $3K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $6K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $4K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $5K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Harney County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Falls Fire in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (2), Biological (2), Coastal Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Fire | Falls Fire |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2007 | Fire | Egley Fire Complex |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| April 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| December 1964 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Harney County?
Harney County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 23.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Harney County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $7K EAL), Volcanic Activity (Very Low, $104 EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Harney County compare to other Oregon counties?
Harney County ranks #32 of 36 Oregon counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Harney County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Harney County since 1964, most often 2 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Falls Fire, declared in July 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Harney County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.