Olympia Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 215,677 and a calculated risk score of 94.1, Olympia faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Olympia, WA. Calling Olympia home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to earthquakes.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Olympia sits at a Risk Score of 94.120. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Earthquake and Volcano.
Earthquake risk in Olympia, Washington
Olympia's location near active fault lines makes earthquake preparedness critical for all residents. While seismic retrofitting has improved infrastructure, the potential for a significant magnitude event remains a primary hazard concern for the region.
Olympia Earthquake Safety
- •Secure heavy furniture and water heaters to wall studs
- •Create a family communication plan for when cell towers fail
- •Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight tied to your bedframe
Top Hazards for The Olympia Area
The geographical layout of Washington means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these earthquake scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 98.9. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
From a statewide perspective in Washington, the geological stability of the area is a primary factor for volcanoes here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 95.5. Families should have a reunification plan for when an event occurs during work/school hours.
Comparisons of local data to the rest of Washington reveal, Olympia faces a critical challenge with landslide events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 94.4, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Structural retrofitting for older homes can significantly mitigate the danger of landslides.
Monitor Active Threats
Olympia has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Olympia? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Olympia
Read the Full Guide →In Olympia, warning times are minimal. The ground can shift without notice, making immediate physical safety your priority. Your home environment needs to be 'quake-proofed' long before the shaking starts.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Store breakable items in low, latched cabinets.
- 2Secure heavy furniture and appliances to the walls.
- 3Identify safe spots (under sturdy tables) in each room.
- 4Keep a pair of sturdy shoes and a flashlight tied to your bedframe.
- 5Know how to shut off your gas line manually and have the tool nearby.
Essential Gear for Olympia
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Earthquake is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 99.5 | Seattle and Olympia share similar regional risks, but our data gives Olympia the edge in overall safety. |
| Spokane | 73.7 | Spokane and Olympia share similar regional risks, but our data gives Spokane the edge in overall safety. |
| Kennewick | 82.2 | Choosing between Olympia and Kennewick? Olympia presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Bremerton | 91.7 | Choosing between Olympia and Bremerton? Olympia presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Tacoma | 97.9 | Choosing between Olympia and Tacoma? Olympia presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Earthquakes in Olympia?
With a risk score of 98.9 for Earthquake, Olympia is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Earthquake events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Olympia safer than other cities in Washington?
It varies by hazard. While Olympia has its own risk profile (Total Score: 94.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in Washington. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Olympia given the risk of Volcano?
Every city has risks. The threat of Volcano (Score: 95.5) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Olympia is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Olympia compare to other cities in Washington?
See the full Washington Disaster Rankings to see how Olympia stacks up against other cities in the state.