Novato, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Novato is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Marin County.
Novato is a city of 52,546 people in Marin County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marin County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and coastal flooding, with about $259 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 167 storm reports in the county since 1996, including 1 tornadoes and 114 floods. About 5.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Marin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Novato
Full Marin 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $116M | |
| Earthquake | $110M | |
| Coastal flooding | $20M | |
| Tsunami | $6M | |
| Wildfire | $4M | |
| Landslide | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Tornado | $242K | |
| Drought | $183K | |
| Lightning | $146K | |
| Strong wind | $96K | |
| Hail | $9K |
Homes in Novato
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 Marin County
More cities in Marin County
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Novato
Is Novato safe from natural disasters?
Novato is in Marin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, coastal flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Novato?
By expected yearly losses in Marin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (High), coastal flooding (Very High). Marin County has been part of 24 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Novato get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 1 tornadoes in Marin County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on December 23, 1996 near Tomales. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Novato?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Marin County, about 5.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.