Puyallup, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Puyallup is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pierce County.
Puyallup is a city of 42,746 people in Pierce County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pierce 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 $532 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 31 storm reports in the county since 1978, including 9 tornadoes and 3 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Pierce County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Puyallup
Full Pierce 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 | $364M | |
| Inland flooding | $122M | |
| Heat wave | $14M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Avalanche | $9M | |
| Volcanic activity | $7M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Tsunami | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $727K | |
| Strong wind | $544K |
Homes in Puyallup
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 Pierce County
More cities in Pierce County
Common questions about Puyallup
Is Puyallup safe from natural disasters?
Puyallup is in Pierce 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 Puyallup?
By expected yearly losses in Pierce County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), heat wave (High). Pierce County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Puyallup get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Pierce County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on September 6, 2009 near Bonney Lake. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Puyallup?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pierce County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.