Mariposa County Disaster Risk
Mariposa County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% 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 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mariposa County, California
Mariposa's moderate composite risk
Mariposa County scores 86.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating slightly below California's state average of 88.7. The small Sierra Nevada county faces manageable but real natural disaster exposure.
Mid-tier risk among California counties
Mariposa County ranks in the middle of California's 58 counties for composite disaster risk, neither among the highest nor lowest-risk communities. Its 86.4 score reflects moderate but meaningful hazard exposure.
Safer than surrounding mountain counties
Mariposa County's 86.4 risk score is considerably lower than neighboring Madera County (96.4) and other nearby mountain communities, making it one of the region's safer areas. Lower earthquake and flood risks distinguish it from adjacent counties.
Wildfire is the dominant hazard
Mariposa County's greatest natural disaster risk comes from wildfire, which scores 99.0 out of 100 and represents the county's primary concern. Earthquake (67.5) and flood (70.8) risks are notably lower than in neighboring counties.
Wildfire insurance is essential
Mariposa County residents should prioritize dedicated wildfire insurance and maintain defensible space around their homes. Standard earthquake coverage is advisable but represents a secondary concern relative to the county's extreme wildfire exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mariposa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mariposa County
Risk Verdict
Mariposa County's overall risk score at the 86th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Mariposa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (67th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mariposa County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Mariposa County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's flood exposure at the 71th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Mariposa 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
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.3 points from the California average, making Mariposa County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Mariposa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mariposa County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Mariposa County?
How does Mariposa County risk compare to the California average?
Is Mariposa County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mariposa 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.