Natural Disaster Risk in Palo Verde
California
Risk Summary for Palo Verde
Palo Verde scores 5.1/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Palo Verde, California
Palo Verde is a small unincorporated community in Imperial County, in the arid interior West. 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 Verde.
FEMA rates Palo Verde's composite natural disaster risk at 5.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area's position within a seismically active region makes earthquake preparedness a top priority for residents and property owners alike. Residents should also account for volcano and heat risk in their preparedness planning.
Palo Verde's risk score, slightly below 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 Imperial County, the highest-scoring are earthquake, volcano, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Palo Verde's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that earthquake exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Palo Verde: Earthquake preparedness
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
Local Factors for Palo Verde
These city-level factors differentiate Palo Verde from other communities in Imperial County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
99
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 33.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 7.9/10
Coordinates
33.1751° N, 114.9259° W
Imperial 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 Verde
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Palo Verde
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.