Skagit County

Washington — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Medium

Composite Risk Score

88.8

National percentile: 89th

Skagit County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 88.8, 89th national percentile), driven primarily by volcanic activity and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $81M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $81M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Low Population sensitivity
Community Resilience High Capacity to recover
Population 129K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Volcanic Activity
High $3M/yr
Earthquake
Medium $33M/yr
Landslide
Medium $83K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Volcanic Activity High 0.00 / yr $3M
Earthquake Medium 0.04 / yr $33M
Landslide Medium 2.50 / yr $83K
Ice Storm High 0.45 / yr $1M
Coastal Flood High 3.36 / yr $7M
Riverine Flood Medium 0.32 / yr $34M
Avalanche Low 0.23 / yr $107K
Winter Weather Medium 37.12 / yr $162K
Heat Wave Low 2.39 / yr $920K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $57K
Lightning Low 7.26 / yr $250K
Cold Wave Low 0.02 / yr $701K
Tsunami Very Low 0.06 / yr $355K
Drought Very Low 4.65 / yr $181
Tornado Very Low 0.02 / yr $84K
Hail Very Low 0.02 / yr $12K
Strong Wind Very Low 0.02 / yr $6K
Hurricane Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Skagit County?

Skagit County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 88.8 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 89th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Skagit County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Volcanic Activity (High, $3M EAL), Earthquake (Medium, $33M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $83K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Skagit County compare to other Washington counties?

Skagit County ranks #18 of 39 Washington counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.

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. Skagit County's $81M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.