Government risk assessment for homebuyers considering 94301. Data from FEMA, USGS, CAL FIRE, CGS, OpenFEMA, and EPA.
B
Estimated Risk Exposure
$27,000
Ranked #24 of 25 Bay Area zip codes analyzed
40
Risk Score (0–100)
Identified Risks
⚡San Andreas Fault <7mi
🌊Creek flood zones
⚠️20 FEMA disasters
Risk Assessment Detail
San Francisquito Creek flood risk. Within broader fault zone. Generally well-maintained infrastructure but older homes may lack seismic retrofitting.
FEMA Flood ZoneAE (creek areas)
Nearest FaultSan Andreas Fault (7 miles)
Wildfire SeverityNot mapped in fire zone
Liquefaction RiskMinimal
FEMA Disaster Declarations20 since 2000
CountySanta Clara County, CA
💰 Insurance & Cost Implications
Creek-adjacent properties need flood insurance. Extremely high home values mean even Grade B risk represents significant financial exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 94301 in a flood zone?
Yes — FEMA maps show flood zone designation AE (creek areas) in parts of Palo Alto. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones starting with A or V) require mandatory flood insurance if you have a federally-backed mortgage. Premiums typically range from $2,000 to $4,500 per year.
What is the earthquake risk in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto is located 7 miles from the San Andreas Fault. Liquefaction risk is minimal in this area, but seismic shaking from nearby faults is still a concern. Santa Clara County has experienced 20 FEMA disaster declarations since 2000. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers residential earthquake insurance — coverage is optional but recommended this close to active faults.
Are there wildfire risks in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto is not in a CAL FIRE-designated wildfire severity zone. Wildfire risk is minimal for most properties in 94301. This is one area where this zip code has a lower risk profile compared to hillside and canyon communities.
How is the $27,000 exposure calculated?
The exposure estimate is based on industry-standard cost models: NFIP average flood insurance claims, USGS earthquake damage probability models, CAL FIRE wildfire rebuilding cost data, and historical disaster costs from OpenFEMA. It represents the estimated financial impact of the identified risks based on what these events actually cost homeowners. Individual properties will vary based on exact location, construction, elevation, and proximity to specific hazards.
Data Sources & Methodology
Flood zones: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) — msc.fema.gov