Photo: M.O. Stevens · Public domainMore hazard damage per building is expected in North Plains than in 66% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Plains gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns, #63 of 142 in Oregon. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%), then earthquakes (41%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 North Plains 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
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 North Plains’ grade
River and rain flooding is 58% of the building damage FEMA expects in North Plains, and North Plains’ rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 57% of U.S. census tracts. Next is earthquakes at 41% (higher than 87% of U.S. census tracts).
C #63 of 142 in Oregon; higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of North Plains’ residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
The typical Oregon town has higher expected damage than 69% of U.S. towns; within the state, North Plains has less expected damage per building than 56% of Oregon towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.5M a year in losses across North Plains: $2.1M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does North Plains flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in North Plains. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
North Plains isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Washington County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to North Plains
Disasters that paid out in North Plains itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of North Plains), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2008Severe Winter Storm, Record and Near Record Snow$48K to the City of North Plains for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides3 households applied for aid$8K aid approved
Washington County has had 11 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.
Also 3 FEMA wildfire suppression grants (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Washington County, 2020–2024.
Old photos of North Plains after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the North Plains archive →Get ready for what North Plains 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.
- 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 North Plains
Is North Plains at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, North Plains has higher expected damage per building than 66% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #63 of 142 in Oregon. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (58%) and earthquakes (41%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is North Plains 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 Washington County, 38% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.6% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in North Plains?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for North Plains’ 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 North Plains?
By FEMA money that reached North Plains, Severe Winter Storm, Record and Near Record Snow (2008): $48K to the City of North Plains for repairs.
Is North Plains at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (58%), and North Plains’ rate for it is higher than 57% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in North Plains.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where North Plains’ 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.