Medford, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Medford is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jackson County.
Medford is a city of 86,315 people in Jackson County, Oregon. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jackson County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and wildfire, with about $122 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 155 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 0 tornadoes and 17 floods. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jackson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Medford
Full Jackson 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $54M | |
| Earthquake | $35M | |
| Wildfire | $25M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Winter weather | $905K | |
| Lightning | $336K | |
| Strong wind | $265K | |
| Hail | $202K | |
| Cold wave | $60K | |
| Landslide | $37K | |
| Tornado | $30K | |
| Ice storm | $15K |
Homes in Medford
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 Medford
Is Medford safe from natural disasters?
Medford is in Jackson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Medford?
By expected yearly losses in Jackson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), wildfire (High). Jackson County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Medford get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Jackson County since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Medford?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jackson 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.