Benicia, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Benicia is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Solano County.
Benicia is a city of 26,749 people in Solano County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Solano County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and drought, with about $292 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 47 storm reports in the county since 1981, including 4 tornadoes and 23 floods. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Solano County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Benicia
Full Solano County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $141M | |
| Earthquake | $128M | |
| Drought | $12M | |
| Coastal flooding | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Landslide | $894K | |
| Tornado | $722K | |
| Lightning | $380K | |
| Strong wind | $172K | |
| Tsunami | $101K | |
| Hail | $71K |
Homes in Benicia
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Solano County
More cities in Solano County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Benicia
Is Benicia safe from natural disasters?
Benicia is in Solano County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Benicia?
By expected yearly losses in Solano County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (High), drought (High). Solano County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Benicia get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Solano County since 1950; the strongest was an EF0 tornado on April 7, 2011 near Rockville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Benicia?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Solano County, about 1.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.