Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Idaho
Adams County has below-average disaster risk
At 39.57, Adams County's composite risk score sits well below the national average of 50, earning a 'very low' rating. This favorable position reflects relatively balanced hazard exposure, though wildfire remains a notable concern in this rural mountain county.
Safest county in Idaho by composite risk
Adams County's score of 39.57 sits just above Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Its 'very low' rating is the most favorable classification in the state, driven by exceptionally low tornado and earthquake risks.
Adams is among Idaho's safest counties
Adams County's 39.57 score rivals the safety of Bear Lake County (6.58) and exceeds Benewah County (19.88), positioning it as a relatively secure region. Only a handful of Idaho counties match this low-risk profile.
Wildfire is your primary natural hazard
Adams County's wildfire risk score of 96.72 is exceptionally high, standing as the county's dominant threat despite its overall 'very low' composite rating. Flood risk (35.88) and earthquake risk (37.37) are both well below state and national averages, making wildfire preparedness the key priority.
Wildfire insurance should be your focus
Standard homeowners policies don't cover wildfire damage—a critical gap in Adams County where wildfire risk is extreme. Residents should secure dedicated wildfire insurance or rider coverage and maintain defensible space around structures, while flood and earthquake coverage can be lower priorities.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
Adams County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Residents of Adams County can use the 40th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (36th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Adams County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's earthquake exposure at the 37th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Adams County residents.
Regional Context
Adams County tracks the Idaho county average closely, sitting 1.1 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Idaho.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Adams County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Adams County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.