Kennewick, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kennewick is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Benton County.
Kennewick is a city of 85,295 people in Benton County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Benton County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and wildfire, with about $69.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 82 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 5 tornadoes and 8 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Benton County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kennewick
Full Benton 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 | $40M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Wildfire | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $929K | |
| Strong wind | $528K | |
| Winter weather | $496K | |
| Lightning | $400K | |
| Hail | $305K | |
| Tornado | $240K | |
| Drought | $20K |
Homes in Kennewick
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 Benton County
More cities in Benton County
Common questions about Kennewick
Is Kennewick safe from natural disasters?
Kennewick is in Benton 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 Kennewick?
By expected yearly losses in Benton County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), wildfire (Moderate). Benton County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kennewick get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Benton County since 1950; the strongest was an EF0 tornado on May 21, 2016 near Kennewick Vista Arpt. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Kennewick?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Benton County, about 0.3% 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.