Natural Disaster Risk in El Dorado County
California
Risk Summary for El Dorado County
El Dorado County scores 6.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: El Dorado County, California
El Dorado County is located in the United States in California, home to roughly 190,978 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, El Dorado County carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, 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 avalanche and landslide.
El Dorado 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 El Dorado County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, avalanche, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
El Dorado County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for El Dorado County: Wildfire preparedness
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
Cities in El Dorado County
ZIP codes in El Dorado County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.