Chico, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Chico is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Butte County.
Chico is a city of 102,188 people in Butte County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Butte County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and drought, with about $127 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 180 storm reports in the county since 1970, including 18 tornadoes and 100 floods. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Butte County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Chico
Full Butte 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 | $48M | |
| Earthquake | $34M | |
| Drought | $26M | |
| Wildfire | $16M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Lightning | $400K | |
| Tornado | $389K | |
| Landslide | $388K | |
| Hail | $121K | |
| Strong wind | $81K | |
| Winter weather | $21K | |
| Volcanic activity | $392 |
Homes in Chico
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 Butte County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Chico
Is Chico safe from natural disasters?
Chico is in Butte County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Chico?
By expected yearly losses in Butte County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), drought (Very High). Butte County has been part of 37 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Chico get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 18 tornadoes in Butte County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on February 10, 1994 near Oroville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Chico?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Butte County, about 1.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.