Kern County Disaster Risk
Kern County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
99th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
98th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kern County, California
Kern County faces highest national risk
Kern County's composite risk score of 98.89 places it in the 'Relatively High' category, well above the national average. The county ranks among America's most hazard-exposed regions, experiencing extreme exposure to earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. This critical rating demands comprehensive, ongoing disaster preparedness from all Kern residents and businesses.
Kern ranks among California's riskiest counties
Kern's 98.89 score substantially exceeds California's 88.72 average, placing it in the very top tier of the state's 58 counties. The county's wildfire risk of 99.75 is among the state's absolute highest, while earthquake risk reaches 99.43. This exceptional ranking reflects Kern's convergence of multiple extreme natural hazards.
Kern rivals state's highest-risk counties
Kern's 98.89 score ranks among the very highest in California, nearly matching Fresno (99.30) and exceeding all other neighbors including Kings (92.43), Inyo (79.33), and Tulare. The county's extreme wildfire (99.75) and earthquake (99.43) scores are among California's worst. Kern stands as one of the state's most hazard-exposed regions, comparable only to a handful of peers.
Wildfire and earthquake present extreme danger
Kern's wildfire risk scores 99.75—among the state's absolute highest—while earthquake risk reaches 99.43, creating a dual extreme hazard. Flood risk also scores extremely high at 98.47, completing a trifecta of major threats. These three near-maximum hazard scores make Kern one of California's most perilous natural disaster environments.
Comprehensive insurance is absolutely critical
Kern residents must obtain earthquake, wildfire, and flood insurance—all three are essential given the county's extreme scores across each hazard. Standard homeowners policies exclude all three, making separate coverage non-negotiable for anyone with property worth protecting. Building complete insurance protection now is the single most important step Kern residents can take.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kern County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kern County
Risk Verdict
Kern County ranks in the top tier for natural disaster risk nationally, with a composite score at the 99th percentile. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Kern County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 99th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (98th percentile), tornado (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Kern County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Kern County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 99th percentile nationally means Kern County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Kern County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other California counties, Kern County runs 10.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Kern County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kern County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Kern County?
How does Kern County risk compare to the California average?
Is Kern County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kern County higher risk than average?
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.