Photo: TCP04 · CC BY 4.0FEMA puts Washington’s expected hazard damage per building above that of 84% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Washington gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns, #213 of 247 in Missouri. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (79%), then earthquakes (10%). Flood insurance has paid 25 claims here since 1982.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What stands out about Washington’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Washington faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Earthquakes
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Washington’s grade
River and rain flooding is 79% of the building damage FEMA expects in Washington, and Washington’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 88% of U.S. census tracts. Next is earthquakes at 10% (higher than 80% of U.S. census tracts).
C− #213 of 247 in Missouri; higher expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Washington’s residents live in 5 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Missouri town has higher expected damage than 59% of U.S. towns; within the state, Washington has more expected damage per building than 86% of Missouri towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $10.3M a year in losses across Washington: $7.3M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Washington flood? Sometimes: 25 flood claims since 1982
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Washington, from FEMA’s records: 3.6 per 1,000 homes, more than 53% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding5 claims · $55K
- The Early winter storms1 claim · $903
Washington isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Franklin County.7 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Washington
Disasters that paid out in Washington itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Washington), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Wildfires5 households applied for aid$300 aid approved$6K to the City of Washington for repairs
- 2017Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding1 households applied for aid$14K to the City of Washington for repairs
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding7 households applied for aid$9K aid approved$35K to the City of Washington for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding2 households applied for aid$136 aid approved
- 2007Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$29K to the City of Washington for repairs
- 2005Hurricane Katrina Evacuation$20K to the City of Washington for repairs
Show all 7
- 2000Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding$225K to the City of Washington for repairs9 flood claims paid that year
Franklin County has had 20 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Washington after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Washington archive →Get ready for what Washington faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Washington
Is Washington at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Washington has higher expected damage per building than 84% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk, #213 of 247 in Missouri. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (79%) and earthquakes (10%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Washington flood?
Flood insurance has paid 25 claims in Washington since 1982, $2.4M in all, or 3.6 per 1,000 homes, more than 53% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (5).
Is Washington in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Franklin County, 14% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Washington?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Washington’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Washington?
By FEMA money that reached Washington, Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding (2000): $225K to the City of Washington for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 5 paid, $55K.
Is Washington at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (79%), and Washington’s rate for it is higher than 88% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Washington.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Washington’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.