HAZARD

Landslide

Heavy rain and steep terrain can destabilize hillsides, causing soil and rock to shift downslope.

FEMA National Risk Index & Ready.gov (reviewed) · reviewed 2026-07-10

What raises the risk

• Steep slopes, especially where soil has poor drainage or is naturally unstable.
• Saturation from heavy rain, snowmelt, or irrigation that adds weight and reduces soil friction.
• Undercut slopes from erosion or construction, and burn scars from wildfire that increase instability.

How to prepare

• Know if your property sits on or below a steep slope; check local geology maps and ask neighbors about past movement.
• Maintain proper drainage away from foundations and slopes; trim vegetation that can retain moisture.
• Know your evacuation route; have a plan to leave quickly if local experts warn of movement risk.

Insurance

Earth movement (landslide, subsidence) is typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance. If your property is in a landslide-prone area, ask your insurer about specialized earth-movement coverage options or work with an agent experienced in high-risk properties.

Where landslide risk rates highest

Covered US counties with the highest FEMA Landslide risk score (a national percentile):

• Orange County, CAElevated100
• San Bernardino County, CAHigh100
• Santa Clara County, CAElevated100
• Alameda County, CAElevated100
• Honolulu County, HIElevated100
• San Mateo County, CAElevated100
• Sonoma County, CAElevated100
• Santa Barbara County, CAHigh100

Related hazards

WildfireWhere homes meet wildland, embers — not just flames — drive most losses.FloodingThe most common and costly US disaster — and standard home policies usually exclude it.EarthquakeRare but sudden — most injuries come from falling objects, and most policies exclude the shaking.