Short answer: Multnomah County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Portland tracts. The Oregon FAIR Plan is the residual property market after at least two standard-market declinations. Keep lots maintained under local code rules, and carry at least 25/50/20 liability.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Portland area (Multnomah County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Multnomah County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Multnomah County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Multnomah County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Multnomah County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 8 major disaster declarations that included Multnomah County since 1964, led by severe storm events (4), flood events (3) and fire events (1). The most recent: Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2024, Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds, 2020, Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2016 and Severe Winter Storm, Record and Near Record Snow, 2009. FEMA also lists 1 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Portland's 25% flood discount
Portland has a Class 5 rating in FEMA's Community Rating System, which the city says puts it in the top 15 percent of participating communities. Property owners in its 100-year floodplain automatically save 25% on flood insurance. To check your status, search your address on PortlandMaps.com and look under the Public Safety tab. Most FEMA elevation certificates the city has on file can be downloaded from its Elevation and Flood Hazard Map. The city also suggests asking your agent about sewer backup coverage when you ask about flood.
Johnson Creek remapping and hillside runoff
Environmental Services is remapping the Johnson Creek floodplain in Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert, and FEMA may finalize the revised maps in 2026. Some properties may become subject to flood insurance requirements and others may be removed. Owners who are affected get a letter headed "Important Floodplain Remapping Information." Outside the floodplain, the city warns that dense soils in parts of hilly SW Portland can send stormwater onto properties downhill. New homes in the floodplain must be built at least two feet above base flood elevation, or one foot in the Columbia River floodplain.
Residual market: Oregon FAIR Plan
The Oregon FAIR Plan Association is a market of last resort for eligible dwellings when you cannot obtain coverage from at least two standard-market insurers. Coverage is limited (for example, personal liability and theft are not the Plan's focus)—read current underwriting guidelines with a licensed Oregon agent.
More for Portland policyholders
Earth movement is excluded from standard homeowners forms.
Auto: Oregon 25/50/20
ODOT DMV insurance requirements cite minimum liability of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 property damage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
When can Portland homeowners use the Oregon FAIR Plan?
When at least two standard-market insurers will not write you and the risk meets FAIR Plan underwriting—apply through a licensed Oregon agent.
What auto liability does Oregon require?
At least 25/50/20 per ODOT DMV.
Does a Portland homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.