riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Colusa County Disaster Risk

Colusa County, California

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

81th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#48

of 58 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

38th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 89% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Colusa County, California

Colusa's risk slightly exceeds national average

Colusa County's composite risk score of 81.14 surpasses the national average, though its relatively moderate rating suggests manageable hazard exposure. The Central Valley location exposes the county to earthquake and wildfire risks balanced by lower tornado and flood exposure.

Below California's average risk profile

Colusa's score of 81.14 falls below California's state average of 88.72, positioning it among the safer counties statewide. This favorable standing reflects the Central Valley's geographic protection from some coastal and mountain hazards.

Lower risk than surrounding agricultural counties

Colusa (81.14) maintains lower composite risk than nearby Central Valley and Sierra neighbors, though comparable agricultural counties show similar profiles. Its flat terrain and distance from major fault lines and wildland interfaces contribute to this advantage.

Earthquake risk and wildfire drive exposure

Earthquake risk of 90.78 represents Colusa's highest hazard, while wildfire risk (89.09) ranks nearly as severe despite the county's valley location. Flood risk (37.91) remains lower than many California counties, though agricultural irrigation infrastructure creates localized concerns.

Earthquake insurance tops your coverage needs

Colusa residents should prioritize earthquake insurance as their critical coverage gap, since standard policies exclude seismic damage. Consider wildfire coverage as well, particularly for properties adjacent to grasslands or foothill areas within the county.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Colusa County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    89th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    38th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Colusa County

Risk Verdict

Colusa County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 81th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Colusa County.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Colusa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Colusa County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 91th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Wildfire at the 89th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Colusa County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Colusa County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.

Regional Context

Compared to the California county average, Colusa County's composite score runs 7.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Colusa County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Colusa County, CA?
Colusa County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 81th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Colusa County?
Colusa County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (91th percentile), wildfire (89th percentile), flooding (38th percentile), tornado (9th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 91th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Colusa County risk compare to the California average?
Colusa County's composite risk percentile is 81th, compared to the California state average of 89th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Moderate. This means Colusa County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in California.
Is Colusa County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Colusa County's earthquake risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Colusa County is at the 38th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Colusa County a safe place to live?
Colusa County's composite risk score of 81th percentile is below the California state average of 89th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 91th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Yuba County

California

-0.3

Relatively Low

81th percentile

Trinity County

California

-1.7

Relatively Low

79th percentile

Inyo County

California

-1.8

Relatively Low

79th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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