Morrow County, Oregon Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OR
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Morrow County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 26.4, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Morrow County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 26.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 26th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $383K in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $7K in expected annual loss and about 0.87 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Morrow County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
The federal record bears this out: Morrow County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 2 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Battle Mountain Fire Complex (fire), declared in July 2024.
Among 36 Oregon counties, Morrow County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.09 / yr | $383K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.87 / yr | $7K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $51 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $438K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.10 / yr | $405K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $448 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.74 / yr | $51K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.29 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Low | 0.29 / yr | $175K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.31 / yr | $494K |
| Drought | Very Low | 42.08 / yr | $6K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 10.77 / yr | $57K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $117K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $14K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Morrow County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Battle Mountain Fire Complex in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Fire (2), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Fire | Battle Mountain Fire Complex |
| July 2024 | Fire | Lone Rock Fire |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Land and Mudslides, Flooding |
| February 1996 | Flood | High Winds, Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 Morrow County?
Morrow County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 26.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 26th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Morrow County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $383K EAL), Landslide (Low, $7K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Morrow County compare to other Oregon counties?
Morrow County ranks #31 of 36 Oregon counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Morrow County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Morrow County since 1964, most often 2 for fire events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Battle Mountain Fire Complex, 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. Morrow County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.