Bannock County Disaster Risk
Bannock County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% 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 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bannock County, Idaho
Bannock County carries moderate disaster risk
Bannock County's composite risk score of 66.89 exceeds the national average of 50 and earns a 'relatively low' rating. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazards, particularly wildfire and earthquake, though overall risk remains below Ada County's elevated levels.
Above-average risk for Idaho counties
With a score of 66.89, Bannock County ranks above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. The county's exposure is driven primarily by elevated wildfire and earthquake risks, though it remains safer than several other Idaho regions.
Bannock faces higher risk than nearby counties
Bannock County's 66.89 score substantially exceeds Bingham County (60.15) and significantly surpasses Bear Lake County (6.58) to the north. This positions Bannock in the moderate-risk category among its southeastern Idaho peers.
Wildfire and earthquakes threaten Bannock
Bannock County faces a wildfire risk of 96.91 and earthquake risk of 82.79, both well above state averages and representing the county's most pressing natural hazards. Flood risk (51.88) is moderate, but wildfire and seismic activity pose the greatest threat to homes and infrastructure.
Dual coverage essential for Bannock homes
Bannock County residents need both wildfire and earthquake insurance, neither of which are included in standard policies. Begin by obtaining standalone wildfire and earthquake coverage, then evaluate flood insurance options based on your property's location relative to flood zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bannock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bannock County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Bannock County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 67th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Bannock County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Bannock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 97th percentile nationally, Bannock County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Bannock County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 83th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Bannock County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Bannock County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Bannock County is 28.4 composite risk points above the Idaho average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Bannock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bannock County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Bannock County?
How does Bannock County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Bannock County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bannock 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.