Natural Disaster Risk in South San Francisco
California
Risk Summary for South San Francisco
South San Francisco scores 5.9/10 (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: South San Francisco, California
South San Francisco is a city of 64,761 residents in San Mateo 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 South San Francisco.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, South San Francisco carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and coastal flood.
South San Francisco'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 San Mateo County, the highest-scoring are earthquake, landslide, and coastal flood. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
South San Francisco'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 South San Francisco: 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 South San Francisco
These city-level factors differentiate South San Francisco from other communities in San Mateo County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
64,761
UrbanGeographic Zone
Pacific Coast
Tsunami, coastal flood & wildfire risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.3/10
Coordinates
37.6554° N, 122.4208° W
San Mateo 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 South San Francisco
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South San Francisco
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.