Solano County Disaster Risk
Solano County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
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 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% 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 Solano County, California
Solano ranks among highest-risk counties
Solano County's composite risk score of 97.01 places it well above the national average with a 'Relatively High' rating. The county faces significant multi-hazard exposure across earthquakes, floods, and wildfires affecting both urban and rural areas.
Among California's top 10 riskiest counties
Solano's 97.01 score substantially exceeds California's average of 88.72, reflecting the county's position at the intersection of multiple seismic zones. The Bay Area-Central Valley interface creates compounded risk from both tectonic and climatic hazards.
Similar risk to other Bay Area counties
Solano (97.01) faces comparable overall risk to Santa Clara (99.75) and San Mateo (99.24), though slightly lower threat from earthquakes. The three-county region represents the state's most hazard-vulnerable urban corridor.
Earthquakes and floods top the list
Solano's earthquake risk scores 98.95 while flood risk reaches 97.36, threatening both urban centers and agricultural valleys. Wildfire risk (94.50) is also substantial, particularly affecting foothill communities and open spaces in the county's northern and eastern areas.
Earthquake and flood insurance critical
Solano residents must secure earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage in this 98.95-risk county. Flood insurance is equally essential, particularly for properties in low-lying areas near the Sacramento River and Delta waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Solano County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Solano County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 97th percentile, Solano County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Solano County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Solano 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 (94th percentile), tornado (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Solano County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Flood at the 97th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Solano County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Solano County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Solano County falls 8.3 points above California's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Solano County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Solano County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Solano County?
How does Solano County risk compare to the California average?
Is Solano County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Solano 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.