Out of 21 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 21 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 57 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 2 |
Top 21 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King | Washington | 15 | 1 | 2022 | 10/100 |
| 2 | Pierce | Washington | 15 | 1 | 2022 | 10/100 |
| 3 | Yakima | Washington | 4 | 0 | 2026 | 5/100 |
| 4 | Kitsap | Washington | 4 | 0 | 2015 | 4/100 |
| 5 | Spokane | Washington | 3 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 6 | Skagit | Washington | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 4/100 |
| 7 | Lincoln | Washington | 2 | 0 | 2011 | 3/100 |
| 8 | Adams | Washington | 2 | 0 | 2011 | 3/100 |
| 9 | Whitman | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2023 | 2/100 |
| 10 | Franklin | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 11 | Walla Walla | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 12 | Kittitas | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Whatcom | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Thurston | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 1/100 |
| 15 | Clark | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Chelan | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Grant | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 18 | Snohomish | Washington | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 0/100 |
| 19 | Clallam | Washington | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 20 | Jefferson | Washington | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 21 | Okanogan | Washington | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Washington based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.