Natural Disaster Risk in California
Maryland
Risk Summary for California
California scores 6.2/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
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: California, Maryland
California is a city of approximately 14,212 residents in St. Mary's County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, with tropical storm and nor'easter impacts 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 California.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, California carries an overall risk score of 6.2/10, placing it in the high category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and drought.
California's risk score, near the 6.5/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for St. Mary's County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
California'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 California: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
Local Factors for California
These city-level factors differentiate California from other communities in St. Mary's County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
14,212
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.4/10
Coordinates
38.2919° N, 76.5271° W
St. Mary's 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 California
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in California
Other cities in Maryland
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.