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9
Extreme

earthquake Earthquake Risk in Oakland, CA

Risk Level: Extreme — Score 9/10

FEMA: 9Historical: 10

Key Risk Factors

  • FEMA rates Oakland's county as Very High risk for this hazard
  • Estimated annual loss of $1,352M from this hazard type
  • 43 events recorded in proximity in recent decades
  • 3 event(s) in the last 12 months
  • Occurs roughly 0.14 times per year on average

Last significant event: Earthquake - 5.3 - 13 km NNW of Susanville, California (2025-12-31) — 402 people exposed

Highest Risk Cities for Earthquakes

1
Los Angeles, CA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
2
San Jose, CA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
3
San Francisco, CA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
4
Seattle, WA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
5
Long Beach, CA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
6
Oakland, CA
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
7
Tokyo, Japan
Risk: 9Historical: 10
8
Istanbul, Turkey
Risk: 9Historical: 10
9
Kathmandu, Nepal
Risk: 9Historical: 10
10
Quito, Ecuador
Risk: 9Historical: 10

How Oakland Compares

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Notable Earthquake Events Near Oakland

Earthquake - 6.0 - 6km NW of American Canyon, California

August 23, 2014 — WATCH

Impact data not available

Earthquake - 6.0 - 17 km SW of Scotia, California

December 4, 2024 — WATCH

129,000 people exposed; $20,487M capital exposed

Earthquake - 5.22 - 9 km W of Mettler, California

August 6, 2024 — ADVISORY

2,800 people exposed; $498M capital exposed

Earthquake - 5.3 - 13 km NNW of Susanville, California

December 30, 2025 — ADVISORY

402 people exposed; $7M capital exposed

5.1 - Northern California

August 13, 2012 — ADVISORY

Impact data not available

Earthquake Preparedness Tips

  • 1.Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls
  • 2.Create a family earthquake plan with meeting points
  • 3.Keep an emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, and first aid supplies
  • 4.Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
  • 5.Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills regularly

Related Pages

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Wildfire Risk in Oakland
Score: 7/10
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Hurricane Risk in Oakland
Score: 0/10
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Flood Risk in Oakland
Score: 9/10
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Tornado Risk in Oakland
Score: 5/10
winter-storm
Winter Storm Risk in Oakland
Score: 1/10
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Landslide Risk in Oakland
Score: 7/10
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Extreme Heat Risk in Oakland
Score: 7/10
drought
Drought Risk in Oakland
Score: 5/10
high-wind
High Wind Risk in Oakland
Score: 1/10
tsunami
Tsunami Risk in Oakland
Score: 3/10
earthquake
Earthquake Risk in San Francisco, CA
Score: 9/10
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Earthquake Risk in San Jose, CA
Score: 9/10
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Earthquake Risk in Sacramento, CA
Score: 7/10

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