Brentwood, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Brentwood is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Contra Costa County.
Brentwood is a city of 65,208 people in Contra Costa County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Contra Costa County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and heat wave, with about $971 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 108 storm reports in the county since 1983, including 5 tornadoes and 71 floods. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Contra Costa County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Brentwood
Full Contra Costa County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $519M | |
| Inland flooding | $412M | |
| Heat wave | $18M | |
| Wildfire | $11M | |
| Drought | $3M | |
| Landslide | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Tsunami | $1M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $398K | |
| Hail | $157K |
Homes in Brentwood
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 Contra Costa County
More cities in Contra Costa County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Brentwood
Is Brentwood safe from natural disasters?
Brentwood is in Contra Costa County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Brentwood?
By expected yearly losses in Contra Costa County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (Very High), heat wave (High). Contra Costa County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Brentwood get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Contra Costa County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on January 23, 2010 near Brentwood. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Brentwood?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Contra Costa County, about 0.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.