Benewah County Disaster Risk
Benewah County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benewah County, Idaho
Benewah County ranks among America's safest
Benewah County's composite risk score of 19.88 sits well below the national average of 50, earning a 'very low' rating. This favorable position reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories, with no single threat dominating the county's natural disaster profile.
Among Idaho's lowest-risk counties
Benewah County's score of 19.88 falls comfortably below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the state's safest tier. Only a handful of Idaho counties enjoy comparable safety levels.
Benewah is safer than most regional peers
Benewah County's 19.88 score is substantially lower than Ada County (87.75) and Boise County (48.92) in the central region, though similar to Bear Lake County's 6.58. This makes Benewah one of northern Idaho's safer communities.
Flood risk moderately elevated for Benewah
Benewah County's flood risk of 46.91 is its highest hazard score and moderately above state average, reflecting the county's proximity to water features and mountain terrain. Wildfire (74.78) and earthquake (26.43) risks are lower, while tornado risk is minimal at 5.09.
Flood insurance is your main coverage need
Benewah County residents should prioritize flood insurance, which is not covered by standard homeowners policies, especially if near waterways or flood-prone zones. Standard coverage should adequately protect against other hazards in this relatively safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benewah County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benewah County
Risk Verdict
Benewah County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 20th percentile nationally. At the 20th percentile nationally, Benewah County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Benewah County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Benewah County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. Benewah County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's flood exposure at the 47th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Benewah County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Idaho county average exceeds Benewah County's score by 18.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Benewah County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benewah County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Benewah County?
How does Benewah County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Benewah County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Benewah County a safe place to live?
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.