Yakima Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 134,003 and a calculated risk score of 89.9, Yakima faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Yakima, WA. The landscape around Yakima defines much of daily life. Yet, the geography also exposes the area to certain threats. The risk of landslides is higher here than the national average.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 89.950, Yakima requires specific preparation. The data highlights Landslide as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Yakima Area
Looking at the long-term climate history of Washington, resilience against landslides is a key aspect of local safety. Therefore, we calculate a specific index of 98.6, indicating a substantial threat level. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
Observing the seasonal cycles typical of Washington, wildfires constitute a major variable in the local quality of life equations. Moreover weighted against regional averages, this score of 98.6 is statistically significant. Home hardening (fire-resistant roofing and siding) significantly improves survival odds.
Meteorological data for Washington confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating earthquakes. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 97.7. Structural retrofitting for older homes can significantly mitigate the danger of earthquakes.
Monitor Active Threats
Yakima has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Yakima? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Yakima
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Yakima. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Yakima
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a Landslide warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 99.5 | Choosing between Yakima and Seattle? Yakima presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Spokane | 73.7 | Choosing between Yakima and Spokane? Yakima presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Kennewick | 82.2 | When compared to Kennewick, Yakima is slightly higher risk. The difference of 7.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Bremerton | 91.7 | When compared to Bremerton, Yakima is statistically safer. The difference of 1.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Tacoma | 97.9 | When compared to Tacoma, Yakima is statistically safer. The difference of 8.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Landslides in Yakima?
With a risk score of 98.6 for Landslide, Yakima is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Landslide events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Yakima safer than other cities in Washington?
It varies by hazard. While Yakima has its own risk profile (Total Score: 89.9), it is generally comparable to the average in Washington. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Yakima given the risk of Wildfire?
Every city has risks. The threat of Wildfire (Score: 98.6) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Yakima is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Yakima compare to other cities in Washington?
See the full Washington Disaster Rankings to see how Yakima stacks up against other cities in the state.