Indio Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 371,926 and a calculated risk score of 99.9, Indio faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Indio, CA. For residents of Indio, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for wildfires events.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Indio sits at a Risk Score of 99.892. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Wildfire and Earthquake.
Wildfire risk in Indio, California
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Indio create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Indio Wildfire Evacuation Plan
- β’Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters and roof
- β’Have a 'Go Bag' packed and ready near the door
- β’Sign up for local emergency alerts
Top Hazards for The Indio Area
Environmental studies focusing on California highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from wildfire events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 100.0 score. Landscaping choices play a huge role in determining a property's resilience to wildfire.
Long-standing weather records for California indicate citizens here are statistically more likely to encounter earthquakes. Crucially, an analytical review of past disasters puts the current risk tier at 99.8. Bolt-down foundations and braced water heaters are standard requirements for safety.
Within the specific ecosystem of California, river flooding frequency is a defining characteristic of the local hazard profile. As a result, historical probability models result in a localized score of 98.9/100. Residents in low-lying zones should have evacuation routes mapped out well in advance.
Monitor Active Threats
Indio has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Indio? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Indio
Read the Full Guide βResidents of Indio must prioritize defensible space and air quality. Fire moves fast, and smoke can be just as dangerous. Your preparation should focus on rapid evacuation and respiratory protection.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep gutters clean of dry leaves and debris.
- 2Have N95 masks in your kit for smoke protection.
- 3Pack a 'Go-Bag' with wool blankets and protective clothing.
- 4Know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
- 5Create defensible space by clearing dry vegetation 30ft from your home.
Essential Gear for Indio

Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Wildfire is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | When compared to Los Angeles, Indio is statistically safer. The difference of 0.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | San Francisco and Indio share similar regional risks, but our data gives San Francisco the edge in overall safety. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | Choosing between Indio and San Diego? Indio presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | Choosing between Indio and Riverside? Indio presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | Sacramento and Indio share similar regional risks, but our data gives Sacramento the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Indio?
With a risk score of 100.0 for Wildfire, Indio is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Wildfire events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Indio safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Indio has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.9), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Indio given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.8) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Indio is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Indio compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Indio stacks up against other cities in the state.