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

Marin County Disaster Risk

Marin County, California

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

96th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#27

of 58 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

97th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% 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 Marin County, California

Marin County's high composite risk

Marin County scores 96.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that exceeds California's state average of 88.7. This Bay Area county faces substantial exposure to earthquakes, wildfires, and floods.

Fifth highest risk in California

Marin County ranks 5th in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed communities. Only Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, and Mendocino counties score higher.

Comparable to nearby Bay Area counties

Marin County's 96.4 risk score aligns closely with neighboring Mendocino County (94.3) and exceeds inland peers, reflecting the Bay Area's significant seismic and wildfire exposure. Its coastal and Bay-facing geography adds flood vulnerability.

Earthquake and wildfire lead threats

Marin County faces serious earthquake risk (98.7 out of 100) and high wildfire risk (94.6), making these the county's primary natural disaster concerns. Flood risk (97.2) is also substantial, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone neighborhoods.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance critical

Marin County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance and dedicated wildfire coverage given the county's very high scores in both categories. Review flood risk at your specific address and consider additional coverage if you live in a vulnerable area.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Marin County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    97th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    95th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Marin County

Risk Verdict

Marin County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Marin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (95th percentile), tornado (19th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Marin County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Flood at the 97th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Marin County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Marin County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Marin County's composite risk score sits 7.7 points above the California county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Marin 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 Marin County, CA?
Marin County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 96th 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 Marin County?
Marin County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (99th percentile), flooding (97th percentile), wildfire (95th percentile), tornado (19th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 99th 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 Marin County risk compare to the California average?
Marin County's composite risk percentile is 96th, compared to the California state average of 89th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Moderate. This means Marin County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in California.
Is Marin County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Marin County's earthquake risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Marin County is at the 97th 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.
Why is Marin County higher risk than average?
Marin County's composite risk score of 96th percentile is above the California state average of 89th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (99th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Madera County

California

+0.1

Relatively High

96th percentile

Imperial County

California

+0.1

Relatively High

96th percentile

Humboldt County

California

+0.4

Relatively High

97th 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.

Explore more data for Marin County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score