Albany, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Albany is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Linn County.
Albany is a city of 56,839 people in Linn County, Oregon. Parts of Albany also reach into Benton County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Linn County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $71.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 47 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 5 tornadoes and 9 floods. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Linn County, the county with most of the population Albany sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Albany
Full Linn County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $38M | |
| Inland flooding | $28M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $492K | |
| Cold wave | $485K | |
| Tornado | $152K | |
| Winter weather | $101K | |
| Ice storm | $98K | |
| Hail | $83K | |
| Wildfire | $75K | |
| Volcanic activity | $34K |
Homes in Albany
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Linn County
Common questions about Albany
Is Albany safe from natural disasters?
Albany is in Linn County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Albany?
By expected yearly losses in Linn County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Linn County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Albany get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Linn County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on September 19, 2017 near Lacomb. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Albany?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Linn County, about 1.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.