Redding, California: natural disaster risk
How exposed Redding is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Shasta County.
Redding is a city of 93,409 people in Shasta County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Shasta County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and earthquake, with about $135 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 188 storm reports in the county since 1986, including 0 tornadoes and 75 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Shasta County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Redding
Full Shasta 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.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $72M | |
| Wildfire | $35M | |
| Earthquake | $24M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $720K | |
| Lightning | $432K | |
| Volcanic activity | $245K | |
| Tornado | $149K | |
| Winter weather | $131K | |
| Landslide | $78K | |
| Hail | $58K | |
| Strong wind | $57K |
Homes in Redding
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.
Other cities in California
All ›Common questions about Redding
Is Redding safe from natural disasters?
Redding is in Shasta County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Redding?
By expected yearly losses in Shasta County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), wildfire (High), earthquake (Moderate). Shasta County has been part of 39 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Redding get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Shasta County since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Redding?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Shasta County, about 0.8% 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.