Salem, Oregon: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salem is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marion County.
Salem is a city of 178,865 people in Marion County, Oregon. Parts of Salem also reach into Polk County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marion 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 $171 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 71 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 11 tornadoes and 23 floods. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marion County, the county with most of the population Salem sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salem
Full Marion 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 | $122M | |
| Inland flooding | $37M | |
| Heat wave | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $986K | |
| Cold wave | $932K | |
| Tornado | $268K | |
| Ice storm | $245K | |
| Winter weather | $180K | |
| Hail | $172K | |
| Volcanic activity | $84K | |
| Wildfire | $75K |
Homes in Salem
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 Marion County
More cities in Marion County
Common questions about Salem
Is Salem safe from natural disasters?
Salem is in Marion 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 Salem?
By expected yearly losses in Marion County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Marion County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salem get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 11 tornadoes in Marion County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on December 14, 2010 near Aumsville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Salem?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marion County, about 1.3% 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.