Yolo County Disaster Risk
Yolo County, California
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 58 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Yolo County, California
Yolo ranks above average for disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 91.38, Yolo County faces higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquake and flood risks that shape the region's resilience challenges.
Yolo's risk exceeds California's state average
Yolo's composite score of 91.38 ranks above California's state average of 88.72, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. This higher-than-average standing reflects the county's position in a seismically active zone with significant flood vulnerability.
Yolo faces steeper risks than Yuba County
Yolo's composite risk score of 91.38 significantly exceeds neighboring Yuba County's 80.88, making Yolo one of the region's higher-risk areas. While both counties share wildfire and earthquake exposure, Yolo faces notably elevated flood risk (89.57 vs. 83.78), a critical distinction for emergency planning.
Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats
Yolo County's earthquake risk score of 97.42 is exceptionally high, reflecting its location near major fault lines—a hazard residents must prepare for year-round. Flood risk also ranks dangerously high at 89.57, particularly threatening communities near the Sacramento and Yolo Bypass systems during heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt.
Earthquake and flood coverage essential here
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or flood damage—two of Yolo County's top three risks. Given your county's earthquake risk score of 97.42 and flood risk of 89.57, obtaining separate earthquake insurance and NFIP flood policies should be immediate priorities, regardless of your perceived distance from fault lines or waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Yolo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Yolo County
Risk Verdict
Yolo County's overall risk score at the 91th 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
Earthquake risk is Yolo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (87th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Yolo County ranks at the 97th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Flood at the 90th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Yolo County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For earthquake preparedness, Yolo County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.7 points from the California average, making Yolo County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Yolo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Yolo County, CA?
What types of natural hazards affect Yolo County?
How does Yolo County risk compare to the California average?
Is Yolo County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Yolo 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.