Butte County hazard data

Chico, CA Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative drought risk for Butte County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 61.011 per year for the area.

#4 of 111 covered California cities for drought risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.8/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Chico's drought risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Butte County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 61.011 per year for drought. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is very high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

61.011 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
211,490
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.8/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Butte County.

FEMA NRI profile

Drought

Very High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

99.8/100

FEMA annualized frequency
61.011 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$57M
Recorded events
1456

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Butte County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Drought risk in Chico

For Chico, FEMA rates drought risk for Butte County as very high, with a relative score of 99.8/100. The next highest relative scores are wildfire at 98.8/100 and earthquake at 98.3/100.

Using FEMA data for Butte County, Chico is #4 among 111 covered California entries for drought risk. Yuba City is about 44 straight-line miles from the Chico map point; its FEMA figures cover Sutter County.

What to check for drought

  • βœ“Check current water restrictions and the property’s water source.
  • βœ“Estimate the water demand and cost of the existing landscaping.
  • βœ“Review local conservation rules before replacing plants or irrigation.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Chico? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Chico. All FEMA figures on this page cover Butte County.

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City
Chico, CA
FEMA data area
Butte County
County FIPS
06007

Questions about disaster risk in Chico

The FEMA figures cover Butte County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much drought risk does Chico, CA have?

FEMA rates relative drought risk for Butte County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 61.011 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Chico rank for drought risk in California?

Among 111 California cities covered by this directory, Chico is #4 for relative drought risk based on FEMA's score for Butte County. Homes within Chico can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Chico?

In FEMA's data for Butte County, the highest relative ratings are Drought (Very High), Wildfire (Relatively High), and Earthquake (Relatively Moderate). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Chico or Butte County?

The hazard numbers cover Butte County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Chico safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Butte County an overall relative risk rating of relatively high. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Chico do first for drought preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceDrought ratingRelative score
Yuba City, CA44 miVery High99.9
Redding, CA63 miRelatively Moderate98.3
Roseville, CA73 miRelatively High98.5
Citrus Heights, CA79 miVery High99.7
Arden-Arcade, CA83 miVery High99.7

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for drought or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

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Anker PowerCore 10K

Power

Anker PowerCore 10K

Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

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ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Pets

ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.

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Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.