Natural Disaster Risk in Madera County

Natural Hazard Profile: Madera County, California

Madera County is located in the United States in California, home to roughly 156,146 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, Madera County carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and heat.

Madera County's risk score, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Madera County, the highest-scoring are drought, wildfire, and heat. 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, Madera County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for drought 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.