Sherman County, Oregon Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OR
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 3th
Sherman County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.9, 3th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and volcanic activity exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Sherman County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 2.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 3rd 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; volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at Very Low risk — $149 in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sherman County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Sherman County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides (severe storm), declared in April 2024.
Among 36 Oregon counties, Sherman County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $149 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.10 / yr | $102K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.35 / yr | $766 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $105K |
| Drought | Very Low | 51.54 / yr | $1K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 7.34 / yr | $54K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $76K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.82 / yr | $12K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 11.29 / yr | $6K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $15K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $694K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $19K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Sherman County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides in April 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2018 | Fire | Substation Fire |
| March 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| 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 Sherman County?
Sherman County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 3th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sherman County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL), Volcanic Activity (Very Low, $149 EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sherman County compare to other Oregon counties?
Sherman County ranks #35 of 36 Oregon counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sherman County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Sherman County since 1964, most often 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides, declared in April 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. Sherman County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.