Hollister, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hollister is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for San Benito County.
Hollister is a city of 43,811 people in San Benito County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates San Benito County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and wildfire, with about $80 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 37 storm reports in the county since 1985, including 3 tornadoes and 25 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for San Benito County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hollister
Full San Benito 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $49M | |
| Inland flooding | $18M | |
| Wildfire | $6M | |
| Drought | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $811K | |
| Landslide | $687K | |
| Tornado | $96K | |
| Lightning | $61K | |
| Hail | $11K | |
| Strong wind | $9K | |
| Winter weather | $712 | |
| Avalanche | $8 |
Homes in Hollister
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 Benito County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Hollister
Is Hollister safe from natural disasters?
Hollister is in San Benito County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Hollister?
By expected yearly losses in San Benito County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), inland flooding (Low), wildfire (Moderate). San Benito County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hollister get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in San Benito County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on March 11, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Hollister?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In San Benito County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.