Calaveras County Disaster Risk
Calaveras County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Calaveras County, California
Calaveras risk exceeds typical U.S. levels
Calaveras County's composite risk score of 86.61 ranks above the national average, reflecting its exposure to significant natural hazards. The relatively moderate rating masks concentrated threats from wildfire and earthquake that demand serious preparation.
Slightly below California's average exposure
Calaveras's score of 86.61 sits just beneath California's state average of 88.72, placing it in the moderate-risk band statewide. This positioning reflects the Sierra foothills' typical hazard profile—high wildfire risk tempered by lower tornado exposure.
Moderate risk amid variable regional landscape
Calaveras (86.61) faces higher risk than Amador (79.20) but lower than Butte (93.92), positioning it in the middle of the Sierra Nevada counties. Alpine's exceptional safety (10.56) remains a geographic outlier in the eastern region.
Wildfire and earthquake threaten most residents
Wildfire risk reaches 99.46 in Calaveras County, among the state's highest, while earthquake risk of 76.75 presents secondary but serious concern. Flood risk (77.58) rounds out the significant hazard trio requiring homeowner preparedness.
Secure wildfire and earthquake coverage first
Calaveras homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and separate wildfire coverage above all other policies. Flood insurance should also be considered in areas near rivers and creeks, as the county's topography channels water during heavy rain events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Calaveras County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Calaveras County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Calaveras County at the 87th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Calaveras County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (77th percentile), tornado (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 99th percentile nationally, Calaveras County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Calaveras County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 78th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Calaveras County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Calaveras County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Calaveras County's risk score is broadly comparable to the California county average, with a 2.1-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Calaveras County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Calaveras County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Calaveras County?
How does Calaveras County risk compare to the California average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Calaveras County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.