Mount Vernon, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Mount Vernon is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Skagit County.
Mount Vernon is a city of 35,377 people in Skagit County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Skagit County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and coastal flooding, with about $80.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 15 storm reports in the county since 2001, including 0 tornadoes and 10 floods. About 4.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Skagit County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Mount Vernon
Full Skagit 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $34M | |
| Earthquake | $33M | |
| Coastal flooding | $7M | |
| Volcanic activity | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $920K | |
| Cold wave | $701K | |
| Tsunami | $355K | |
| Lightning | $250K | |
| Winter weather | $162K | |
| Avalanche | $107K | |
| Tornado | $84K |
Homes in Mount Vernon
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 Mount Vernon
Is Mount Vernon safe from natural disasters?
Mount Vernon is in Skagit County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, coastal flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Mount Vernon?
By expected yearly losses in Skagit County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), coastal flooding (High). Skagit County has been part of 27 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Mount Vernon get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Skagit County since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Mount Vernon?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Skagit County, about 4.9% 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.