Olympia, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Olympia is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Thurston County.
Olympia is a city of 55,951 people in Thurston County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Thurston 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 $191 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 25 storm reports in the county since 1983, including 5 tornadoes and 4 floods. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Thurston County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Olympia
Full Thurston 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 | $134M | |
| Inland flooding | $50M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Landslide | $2M | |
| Coastal flooding | $479K | |
| Tornado | $431K | |
| Strong wind | $282K | |
| Ice storm | $210K | |
| Volcanic activity | $195K | |
| Lightning | $129K | |
| Winter weather | $95K | |
| Tsunami | $91K |
Homes in Olympia
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 Thurston County
More cities in Thurston County
Common questions about Olympia
Is Olympia safe from natural disasters?
Olympia is in Thurston 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 Olympia?
By expected yearly losses in Thurston County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Thurston County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Olympia get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Thurston County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on May 27, 2004 near Tenino. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Olympia?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Thurston County, about 0.9% 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.