Washington natural hazard risk by county

Washington has about $4.69 billion in modeled expected annual loss across 39 counties. The state accounts for 3.0% of the national modeled loss total. Its total ranks #5 among 56 state-level entries by modeled loss. FEMA published these 39 county estimates in its December 2025 National Risk Index. The modeled $4.69 billion annual average does not predict loss in any one year.

Modeled expected annual loss

$4.69 billion / year

Share of US loss

3.0%

State loss rank

#5 of 56

Largest modeled-loss hazard

Earthquake

Reading the Washington county map

The map groups 39 county estimates into five within-state loss classes. Each boundary follows the county geography, while the fill represents modeled dollars per year. The class breaks are calculated from Washington county values, so a matching shade on another state page need not represent the same amount. Grey marks unmatched geography or an unavailable estimate. Outlined counties link to the detailed profiles available in this release; counties without profiles still contribute to the state totals.

Together, the three largest estimates account for 55.9% of Washington modeled annual loss. Their combined population represents 52.2% of the state source population. Comparing these two shares helps distinguish the concentration of modeled dollars from the concentration of residents. Neither share identifies the exposure of an individual address, and the map does not show the location of damage within a county.

County totals beside population

King County, WA combines about $1.68 billion in modeled annual loss with 2,268,178 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $741 per resident, compared with $609 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #16 among the 39 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Pierce County, WA combines about $531.9 million in modeled annual loss with 920,483 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $578 per resident, compared with $609 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #22 among the 39 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Snohomish County, WA combines about $409.2 million in modeled annual loss with 827,611 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $494 per resident, compared with $609 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #26 among the 39 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Where the leading hazards are concentrated

For earthquakes, King County, WA contributes 48.1% of the state hazard total. The next county, Pierce County, WA, contributes about $363.8 million annually, compared with $1.21 billion for the leader. Across Washington, 39 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $948.0 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #2 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 53.9%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For riverine flooding, King County, WA contributes 30.6% of the state hazard total. The next county, Pierce County, WA, contributes about $121.6 million annually, compared with $416.9 million for the leader. Across Washington, 39 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $822.9 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #14 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 29.0%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For tsunamis, Grays Harbor County, WA contributes 52.3% of the state hazard total. The next county, Pacific County, WA, contributes about $83.9 million annually, compared with $120.7 million for the leader. Across Washington, 15 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $26.1 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #2 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 4.9%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For wildfires, Kittitas County, WA contributes 24.2% of the state hazard total. The next county, Chelan County, WA, contributes about $34.9 million annually, compared with $41.9 million for the leader. Across Washington, 39 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $96.2 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #5 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 3.7%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For cold waves, Spokane County, WA contributes 17.2% of the state hazard total. The next county, Clark County, WA, contributes about $19.8 million annually, compared with $20.1 million for the leader. Across Washington, 37 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $77.1 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #28 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 2.5%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For heat waves, King County, WA contributes 19.0% of the state hazard total. The next county, Pierce County, WA, contributes about $13.5 million annually, compared with $18.9 million for the leader. Across Washington, 39 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $67.1 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #18 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 2.1%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

Washington hazard totals and county comparisons

Washington hazard totals combine the county estimates. The largest county column identifies concentration within each hazard; the state rank compares the same hazard across state-level entries.

Washington county loss totals

Washington population, values and ratings

Population

7,699,114

Building value

$1,645.61 billion

Agricultural value

$12.41 billion

Modeled loss per resident

$609

Washington county pages

Washington has 1 detailed county page linked below.

• King County, WA: county detail

US county comparisons alongside Washington