Boise County Disaster Risk
Boise County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% 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 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Boise County, Idaho
Boise County faces moderate disaster risk
Boise County's composite risk score of 48.92 sits just below the national average of 50, earning a 'relatively low' rating. While the county faces meaningful exposure to wildfire and moderate flood risks, its overall hazard profile is slightly more favorable than the typical American county.
Near-average risk for Idaho
Boise County's score of 48.92 slightly exceeds Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it just above the midpoint of statewide risk. This near-average position reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazard categories without extreme concentrations in any single threat.
Boise safer than Ada, less risky than Blaine
Boise County's 48.92 score sits well below Ada County's 87.75 and modestly below Blaine County's 65.36, positioning it as the safer central Idaho option. Its risk level is comparable to or slightly above most other rural Idaho counties.
Wildfire is your dominant natural hazard
Boise County faces an exceptional wildfire risk of 97.23, among the highest in Idaho and ranking as the county's primary threat by far. Flood risk (42.94) and earthquake risk (40.04) are moderate and below state averages, while tornado risk is minimal.
Wildfire insurance is your top priority
Given Boise County's 97.23 wildfire risk score, securing dedicated wildfire insurance should be your immediate action. While earthquake and flood risks are lower, reviewing coverage options for these hazards remains prudent, and maintaining defensible space around your home is essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Boise County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Boise County
Risk Verdict
Boise County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 49th percentile across all U.S. counties. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Boise County's favorable 49th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Boise County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire, Boise County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's flood exposure at the 43th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Boise County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 10.4 points above the Idaho state average puts Boise County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Boise County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Boise County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Boise County?
How does Boise County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Boise County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Boise 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.