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

Napa County Disaster Risk

Napa County, California

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

95th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#29

of 58 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

96th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Napa County, California

Napa: Well Above National Disaster Risk

Napa County's composite risk score of 95.26 ranks it as relatively high and significantly exceeds the national average. This wine-country region and Bay Area gateway faces major exposure across multiple natural hazard types.

High-Risk Status Within California

Napa's score of 95.26 sits well above California's state average of 88.72, reflecting its exposure to seismic, wildfire, and flood hazards. It ranks among the state's most-at-risk counties.

Comparable Risk to Other Bay Area Counties

Napa's score of 95.26 aligns closely with Sonoma and Contra Costa counties, all sitting in the 90+ range. These Bay Area neighbors share seismic vulnerability and wildfire exposure.

Earthquake, Wildfire, and Flood Dominate

Napa's earthquake risk reaches 98.38, wildfire risk scores 95.96, and flood risk comes in at 95.83—a triple threat. Tornado risk is lower at 18.29 but still notable for the region.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Strategy Required

Napa residents should purchase separate earthquake and flood insurance, as neither is covered by standard homeowners policies. Given wildfire risk of 95.96, verify your fire coverage is adequate and consider defensible space improvements around your home.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Napa County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    98th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    96th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    96th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Napa County

Risk Verdict

Napa County carries an elevated natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 95th 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 Napa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (96th percentile), tornado (18th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Napa County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 98th 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 96th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Napa 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

Napa County's composite risk score sits 6.5 points above the California county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Napa 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 Napa County, CA?
Napa County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 95th 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 Napa County?
Napa County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (98th percentile), wildfire (96th percentile), flooding (96th percentile), tornado (18th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 98th 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 Napa County risk compare to the California average?
Napa County's composite risk percentile is 95th, compared to the California state average of 89th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Moderate. This means Napa County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in California.
Is Napa County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Napa County's earthquake risk is at the 98th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Napa County is at the 96th 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 Napa County higher risk than average?
Napa County's composite risk score of 95th percentile is above the California state average of 89th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (98th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.