Modoc County Disaster Risk
Modoc County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#56
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Modoc County, California
Modoc: Well Below National Risk Average
Modoc County's composite risk score of 39.69 places it in the very low category—far safer than the typical American county. This score reflects a region where natural disaster hazards are substantially less pronounced than what most U.S. communities face.
Among California's Safest Counties
Modoc ranks among the lowest-risk counties in California, with a score well below the state average of 88.72. In a state known for seismic and wildfire hazards, Modoc stands out as a relative haven.
Safer Than the Sierra Nevada Region
Modoc's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Mono County (46.50) and the higher-risk counties to the west and south. Its isolation in northeastern California keeps it away from the state's major seismic zones and populated fire corridors.
Wildfire and Earthquake Remain Top Concerns
Wildfire risk scores highest at 92.94, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry climate, while earthquake risk sits at 68.77. Tornado and flood risks are minimal, with scores below 45.
Focus on Fire and Seismic Coverage
Even in low-risk Modoc, wildfire insurance and earthquake coverage are worth evaluating, especially for properties in forested areas. Standard homeowners policies may exclude earthquake damage, so check your policy for both fire and seismic protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Modoc County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Modoc County
Risk Verdict
Modoc County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. At the 40th percentile nationally, Modoc County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Modoc County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (45th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 93th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Modoc County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's earthquake exposure at the 69th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Modoc County residents.
Regional Context
Modoc County falls 49.0 points below California's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Modoc County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Modoc County, CA?
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How does Modoc County risk compare to the California average?
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Is Modoc 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.