Colton, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Colton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for San Bernardino County.
Colton is a city of 53,772 people in San Bernardino County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates San Bernardino County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and wildfire, with about $2.1 billion in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,625 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 33 tornadoes and 999 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for San Bernardino County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Colton
Full San Bernardino 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $960M | |
| Earthquake | $922M | |
| Wildfire | $146M | |
| Landslide | $18M | |
| Heat wave | $18M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $392K | |
| Avalanche | $144K | |
| Winter weather | $62K |
Homes in Colton
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 San Bernardino County
More cities in San Bernardino County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Colton
Is Colton safe from natural disasters?
Colton is in San Bernardino County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Colton?
By expected yearly losses in San Bernardino County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), earthquake (Very High), wildfire (Very High). San Bernardino County has been part of 59 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Colton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in San Bernardino County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 7, 1982. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Colton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In San Bernardino County, about 0.3% 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.