Grants Pass, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Grants Pass is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Josephine County.
Grants Pass is a city of 39,311 people in Josephine County, Oregon. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Josephine County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and earthquake, with about $70 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 69 storm reports in the county since 1969, including 0 tornadoes and 13 floods. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Josephine County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Grants Pass
Full Josephine 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 | $32M | |
| Wildfire | $23M | |
| Earthquake | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $172K | |
| Lightning | $88K | |
| Strong wind | $69K | |
| Hail | $53K | |
| Landslide | $27K | |
| Tornado | $15K | |
| Ice storm | $6K | |
| Cold wave | $628 |
Homes in Grants Pass
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.
Common questions about Grants Pass
Is Grants Pass safe from natural disasters?
Grants Pass is in Josephine 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 Grants Pass?
By expected yearly losses in Josephine County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High), earthquake (Moderate). Josephine County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Grants Pass get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Josephine County since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Grants Pass?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Josephine County, about 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.