Natural-disaster risk in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the leading natural-disaster exposures are earthquake, flooding, storms (hurricane/cyclone). The safest city for disasters is Cartago (safety 52/100). Risk is modelled from real USGS counts of magnitude-4.5+ earthquakes within 300 km since 1980 plus Köppen climate zones and cyclone/subduction geography.
Safest cities in Costa Rica from natural disasters
- Cartago — safety 52/100, main risk earthquake
- Heredia — safety 49/100, main risk earthquake
- San Pedro — safety 49/100, main risk earthquake
- Alajuela — safety 48/100, main risk earthquake
- Atenas — safety 47/100, main risk earthquake
- San José — safety 46/100, main risk earthquake
- Limón — safety 45/100, main risk earthquake
- Liberia — safety 45/100, main risk earthquake
FAQ
Is Costa Rica safe from natural disasters?
Across 11 cities in Costa Rica, the highest average exposure is earthquake (5.0/5). Safest city: Cartago (safety 52/100).
What natural disasters affect Costa Rica?
By modelled average tier: earthquake 5.0/5; flooding 3.8/5; storms (hurricane/cyclone) 3.8/5; tsunami 2.4/5; extreme heat 2.0/5; drought 1.3/5; wildfire 1.1/5; extreme cold / winter 1.0/5.
Which city in Costa Rica is safest from natural disasters?
Cartago, with the lowest combined hazard exposure in our data.