Thousand Oaks Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 208,302 and a calculated risk score of 99.1, Thousand Oaks faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Thousand Oaks, CA. Life in Thousand Oaks comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for wildfires.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Thousand Oaks a Risk Score of 99.086 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Wildfire and Earthquake.
Wildfire risk in Thousand Oaks, California
The dry climate and vegetation surrounding Thousand Oaks create conducive conditions for wildfires, especially during drought seasons. Residents in the wildland-urban interface need to be particularly vigilant about defensible space.
Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks Area
In terms of regional hazard exposure in California, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the wildfire risk. It is important to note that this value of 99.8 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Having a pre-packed vehicle during fire season is a standard precaution in this area.
As population density grows in California, future climate projections suggest an uptick in earthquake severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.7/100. Unlike weather events, a earthquake offers no warning, demanding 24/7 readiness.
Meteorological data for California confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating river flooding. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 99.5. Understanding the difference between a river flooding watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
Monitor Active Threats
Thousand Oaks has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Thousand Oaks? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Thousand Oaks
Read the Full Guide βResidents of Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks

Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.

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

Pets
PetBonus Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible bowls for easy packing. Hydration is critical for pets during stress.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Wildfire now.
View Complete Gear Checklist βCompare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 100.0 | Choosing between Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles? Thousand Oaks presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| San Francisco | 98.3 | When compared to San Francisco, Thousand Oaks is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Diego | 99.6 | San Diego and Thousand Oaks share similar regional risks, but our data gives Thousand Oaks the edge in overall safety. |
| Riverside | 99.9 | Riverside and Thousand Oaks share similar regional risks, but our data gives Thousand Oaks the edge in overall safety. |
| Sacramento | 96.3 | When compared to Sacramento, Thousand Oaks is slightly higher risk. The difference of 2.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Wildfires in Thousand Oaks?
With a risk score of 99.8 for Wildfire, Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks safer than other cities in California?
It varies by hazard. While Thousand Oaks has its own risk profile (Total Score: 99.1), it is among the higher-risk areas in California. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks given the risk of Earthquake?
Every city has risks. The threat of Earthquake (Score: 99.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Thousand Oaks is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Thousand Oaks compare to other cities in California?
See the full California Disaster Rankings to see how Thousand Oaks stacks up against other cities in the state.