Forest Grove, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Forest Grove is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
Forest Grove is a city of 26,529 people in Washington County, Oregon. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $270 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 69 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 6 tornadoes and 26 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Forest Grove
Full Washington 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 | $163M | |
| Inland flooding | $81M | |
| Heat wave | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $216K | |
| Hail | $151K | |
| Wildfire | $65K | |
| Landslide | $43K |
Homes in Forest Grove
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 Washington County
More cities in Washington County
Common questions about Forest Grove
Is Forest Grove safe from natural disasters?
Forest Grove is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of 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 Forest Grove?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), heat wave (High). Washington County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Forest Grove get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on November 12, 1991. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Forest Grove?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.