Natural Disaster Risk in Yolo County

Natural Hazard Profile: Yolo County, California

Yolo County is located in the United States in California, home to roughly 216,393 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, Yolo County carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate 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 earthquake and volcano.

Yolo County'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 Yolo County, the highest-scoring are drought, earthquake, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Yolo County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.