Klamath County, Oregon Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OR
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 78th
Klamath County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 77.9, 78th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $33M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Klamath County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 77.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 78th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; 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; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $425K in expected annual loss and about 25.51 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $33M in expected annual loss for a population of 69K.
Beyond physical exposure, Klamath County has a medium 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Klamath County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 10 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Copperfield Fire (fire), declared in September 2024.
Among 36 Oregon counties, Klamath County ranks #19 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.02 / yr | $11M |
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 25.51 / yr | $425K |
| Volcanic Activity | Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Avalanche | Medium | 0.03 / yr | $457K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.39 / yr | $15M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.18 / yr | $771K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.12 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.40 / yr | $2K |
| Lightning | Low | 14.13 / yr | $184K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $81K |
| Drought | Very Low | 91.93 / yr | $10K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $15K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $39K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $12K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Klamath County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Copperfield Fire in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (10), Biological (2), Coastal Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Fire | Copperfield Fire |
| July 2023 | Fire | Golden Fire |
| July 2021 | Fire | Bootleg Fire |
| September 2020 | Fire | Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2020 | Fire | Wildfires |
| September 2020 | Fire | Two Four Two Fire |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Fire | Pipeline Fire |
| August 2014 | Fire | Oregon Gulch Fire |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Klamath County?
Klamath County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 77.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 78th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Klamath County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $11M EAL), Wildfire (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $425K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Klamath County compare to other Oregon counties?
Klamath County ranks #19 of 36 Oregon counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Klamath County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Klamath County since 1964, most often 10 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Copperfield Fire, declared in September 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. Klamath County's $33M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.