Natural Disaster Risk in Palo Cedro
California
Risk Summary for Palo Cedro
Palo Cedro scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Volcanic Activity.
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: Palo Cedro, California
Palo Cedro is a town of roughly 5,750 residents in Shasta 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 Palo Cedro.
FEMA rates Palo Cedro's composite natural disaster risk at 6.0 out of 10 — high risk. The threat from nearby active volcanoes tops the local risk profile, with potential hazards including ash fall that disrupts air travel and agriculture, and lava that threatens infrastructure. Residents should also account for wildfire and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.
Palo Cedro'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 Shasta County, the highest-scoring are volcano, wildfire, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Palo Cedro'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 Palo Cedro: Volcanic Activity preparedness
- Keep dust masks and eye protection on hand for ashfall events, which can affect breathing and visibility.
- Monitor official volcano alert levels and have an evacuation plan for lava or lahar zones.
- Protect electronics and HVAC systems from fine volcanic ash during eruptions.
Local Factors for Palo Cedro
These city-level factors differentiate Palo Cedro from other communities in Shasta County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,750
Small TownGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 10.0/10
Coordinates
40.5905° N, 122.2054° W
Shasta County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Palo Cedro
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Palo Cedro
Other cities in California
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.