Vancouver, Washington: natural disaster risk
How exposed Vancouver is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Clark County.
Vancouver is a city of 195,300 people in Clark County, Washington. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clark County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $157 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 64 storm reports in the county since 1972, including 15 tornadoes and 12 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Clark County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Vancouver
Full Clark 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $68M | |
| Earthquake | $54M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Heat wave | $10M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Lightning | $970K | |
| Tornado | $717K | |
| Wildfire | $222K | |
| Winter weather | $205K | |
| Hail | $121K | |
| Landslide | $24K |
Homes in Vancouver
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 Clark County
More cities in Clark County
Common questions about Vancouver
Is Vancouver safe from natural disasters?
Vancouver is in Clark County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Vancouver?
By expected yearly losses in Clark County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High). Clark County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Vancouver get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Clark County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 5, 1972. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Vancouver?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Clark County, about 0.4% 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.