San Bernardino County Disaster Risk
San Bernardino County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Very High
National Percentile
100th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
100th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very High
Higher than 100% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in San Bernardino County, California
San Bernardino faces extreme nationwide disaster risk
San Bernardino County's composite risk score of 99.84 represents "Very High" risk and approaches the absolute maximum, far exceeding typical U.S. county hazard levels. This score surpasses California's average of 88.72 by a massive margin, indicating exceptional multi-hazard exposure.
Most dangerous county in California
San Bernardino ranks as California's highest-risk county overall, with near-maximal scores in four major hazard categories: earthquakes (99.84), wildfires (99.90), and floods (99.84). Only Riverside County rivals its overall threat level.
Equally dangerous as Riverside, deadlier than most
San Bernardino (99.84) matches Riverside County's extreme risk and dramatically exceeds San Benito (85.24) and San Luis Obispo (95.90). The Inland Empire's two largest counties form California's most disaster-prone region.
Earthquakes, wildfires, floods all extreme
San Bernardino residents face nearly identical threats in three major categories: earthquakes (99.84), wildfires (99.90), and floods (99.84)—all scoring at or near maximum. The county has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years while remaining on major earthquake fault lines.
Triple insurance: earthquake, wildfire, and flood
San Bernardino homeowners absolutely must add earthquake and wildfire riders to standard policies, then verify flood coverage—these three hazards alone require comprehensive protection. Given the county's extreme exposure, these additions are not optional but essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in San Bernardino County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: San Bernardino County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's composite risk model places San Bernardino County at the 100th percentile nationally — one of the country's highest natural hazard exposure zones. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is San Bernardino County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 100th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (100th percentile), tornado (79th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
San Bernardino County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in San Bernardino County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 100th percentile nationally means San Bernardino County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. San Bernardino 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, San Bernardino County runs 11.1 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for San Bernardino County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in San Bernardino County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect San Bernardino County?
How does San Bernardino County risk compare to the California average?
Is San Bernardino County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is San Bernardino 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.