Franklin County, Washington Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Franklin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.5, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave 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
Overall natural disaster risk in Franklin County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 72.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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.
Most of Franklin County's expected losses come from heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 7.88 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $698K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $24M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $33M in expected annual loss for a population of 97K.
Beyond physical exposure, Franklin 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Franklin County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding (flood), declared in March 2022.
Among 39 Washington counties, Franklin County ranks #25 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 7.88 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $698K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.21 / yr | $24M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.28 / yr | $381K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $207 |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.42 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $2K |
| Lightning | Low | 8.13 / yr | $202K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.94 / yr | $56K |
| Hail | Low | 0.19 / yr | $205K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.30 / yr | $445K |
| Drought | Very Low | 14.57 / yr | $8K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $53 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $105K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Franklin County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding in March 2022. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2022 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding |
| February 2021 | Fire | Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds |
| 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 |
| May 1980 | Volcanic Eruption | Volcanic Eruption, Mt. St. Helens |
| March 1979 | Flood | Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Franklin County?
Franklin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Franklin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $698K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $24M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Franklin County compare to other Washington counties?
Franklin County ranks #25 of 39 Washington counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Franklin County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Franklin County since 1977, most often 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, declared in March 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. Franklin County's $33M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.