Natural Disaster Risk in Calaveras County

Natural Hazard Profile: Calaveras County, California

Calaveras County is located in the United States in California, home to roughly 45,237 residents. The county experiences dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles, with a critical fire season from late summer through fall shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Calaveras County carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and landslide.

Calaveras County's risk score, near the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Calaveras County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, drought, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Calaveras County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for wildfire and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.