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Montclair, California: natural disaster risk

How exposed Montclair is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for San Bernardino County.

Very High overall risk
37,810people
Inland floodingtop hazard
59federal declarations, San Bernardino County
33tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: IIP Photo Archive, CC BY 2.0

Montclair is a city of 37,810 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.

$960 million a year in the county
  • 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.

Earthquake

Very High
$922 million a year in the county
  • Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
  • Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.

Wildfire

Very High
$146 million a year in the county
  • Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
  • Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingVery High$960M
EarthquakeVery High$922M
WildfireVery High$146M
LandslideVery High$18M
Heat waveHigh$18M
Strong windHigh$4M
TornadoModerate$4M
LightningHigh$2M
HailModerate$2M
Cold waveLow$392K
AvalancheLow$144K
Winter weatherLow$62K

Homes in Montclair

Median home value$569,100
San Bernardino County median$505,000
Median year built1969
Built before 198066%
Mobile homes8.2%

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

1982F22 hurt
1954F2
1965F1

Common questions about Montclair

Is Montclair safe from natural disasters?

Montclair 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 Montclair?

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 Montclair 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 Montclair?

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.