Natural Disaster Risk in Greenwood

Natural Hazard Profile: Greenwood, California

Greenwood is a small community of about 1,298 in El Dorado County, in the western mountain region near the Pacific Coast. The area experiences dry summers and mild, wet winters with pronounced drought cycles, with a critical fire season from late summer through fall shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Greenwood.

FEMA rates Greenwood's composite natural disaster risk at 6.1 out of 10 — high risk. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Residents should also account for avalanche and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.

Greenwood'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.

Greenwood'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.