Adams County, Washington Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 23th
Adams County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 23.2, 23th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Adams County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 23.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 23rd 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 Low risk — $650K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.27 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $547K 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 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Adams County has a medium 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: Adams County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Lind Fire (fire), declared in August 2022.
Among 39 Washington counties, Adams County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $650K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.27 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $547K |
| Hail | Low | 0.17 / yr | $351K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.57 / yr | $379K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $335 |
| Drought | Very Low | 14.38 / yr | $4K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $15K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.24 / yr | $143K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 11.81 / yr | $10K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $34K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 9.52 / yr | $19K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Adams County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Lind Fire in August 2022. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2022 | Fire | Lind Fire |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2017 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, Mudslides |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Land & Muds Slides,Flooding |
| February 1996 | Flood | High Winds, Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 1980 | Volcanic Eruption | Volcanic Eruption, Mt. St. Helens |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Adams County?
Adams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 23.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 23th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Adams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $650K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $547K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Adams County compare to other Washington counties?
Adams County ranks #35 of 39 Washington counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Adams County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Adams County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Lind Fire, declared in August 2022.
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. Adams County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.