Bend, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bend is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Deschutes County.
Bend is a city of 103,390 people in Deschutes County, Oregon. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Deschutes County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and earthquake, with about $66.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 246 storm reports in the county since 1969, including 6 tornadoes and 14 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Deschutes County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bend
Full Deschutes County report ›- 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $42M | |
| Wildfire | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Avalanche | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Volcanic activity | $554K | |
| Heat wave | $539K | |
| Strong wind | $539K | |
| Winter weather | $371K | |
| Ice storm | $126K |
Homes in Bend
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 Deschutes County
Common questions about Bend
Is Bend safe from natural disasters?
Bend is in Deschutes County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bend?
By expected yearly losses in Deschutes County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High), earthquake (Low). Deschutes County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bend get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Deschutes County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on August 22, 1989. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Bend?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Deschutes County, about 0.2% 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.