Gresham, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Gresham is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Multnomah County.
Gresham is a city of 112,378 people in Multnomah County, Oregon. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Multnomah 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 $440 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 85 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 6 tornadoes and 13 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Multnomah County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Gresham
Full Multnomah 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 | $326M | |
| Inland flooding | $91M | |
| Heat wave | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $925K | |
| Winter weather | $309K | |
| Landslide | $296K | |
| Lightning | $219K | |
| Volcanic activity | $159K | |
| Wildfire | $155K |
Homes in Gresham
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 Multnomah County
More cities in Multnomah County
Common questions about Gresham
Is Gresham safe from natural disasters?
Gresham is in Multnomah 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 Gresham?
By expected yearly losses in Multnomah County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), heat wave (High). Multnomah County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Gresham get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Multnomah County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 5, 1972. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Gresham?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Multnomah County, about 0.4% 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.