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West Sacramento, California: natural disaster risk

How exposed West Sacramento is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Yolo County.

Relatively Moderate overall risk
54,927people
Inland floodingtop hazard
20federal declarations, Yolo County
4tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

West Sacramento is a city of 54,927 people in Yolo County, California. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Yolo County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and drought, with about $116 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 70 storm reports in the county since 1980, including 4 tornadoes and 49 floods. About 5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Yolo County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in West Sacramento

Full Yolo County report ›
$42.2 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

Moderate
$42 million a year in the county
  • Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
  • Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.

Drought

Very High
$28.8 million a year in the county
  • Check local water restrictions.
  • Choose drought-tolerant plants.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$42M
EarthquakeModerate$42M
DroughtVery High$29M
Heat waveLow$2M
WildfireLow$988K
TornadoVery Low$331K
LightningLow$216K
Strong windVery Low$70K
HailVery Low$41K
LandslideLow$40K
Winter weatherVery Low$734
Volcanic activityVery Low$51

Homes in West Sacramento

Median home value$525,800
Yolo County median$620,700
Median year built1987
Built before 198044%
Mobile homes4.9%

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 Yolo County

2005F0 near Dunnigan
2005F0 near West Sacramento
2014EF0 near Merritt

Common questions about West Sacramento

Is West Sacramento safe from natural disasters?

West Sacramento is in Yolo County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in West Sacramento?

By expected yearly losses in Yolo County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), drought (Very High). Yolo County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does West Sacramento get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Yolo County since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on March 20, 2005 near Dunnigan. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.

Do I need flood insurance in West Sacramento?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Yolo County, about 5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.