Bonner County Disaster Risk
Bonner County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bonner County, Idaho
Bonner's risk ranks relatively low nationally
Bonner County scores 77.29 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively low category compared to the national average. This score reflects above-average flood and wildfire exposure, but below-average tornado and earthquake threats.
Higher risk than most Idaho counties
At 77.29, Bonner's composite risk score sits well above Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces significantly elevated hazard exposure compared to most of its peers.
More exposed than nearby counties
Bonner's score of 77.29 exceeds Boundary County's 26.08 and Kootenai County's typical profile, reflecting its unique geography in northern Idaho. Wildfire and flood risks drive this difference in the sparsely populated northern region.
Wildfires and floods threaten Bonner
Wildfire risk reaches 82.70 and flood risk 86.96 in Bonner County, the two dominant hazards shaping emergency preparedness here. Tornado risk remains very low at 10.31, while earthquake exposure is moderate at 55.76.
Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood and wildfire damage, so Bonner residents should secure separate policies for these high-risk scenarios. Given your county's 86.96 flood score and 82.70 wildfire score, these coverages are essential investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bonner County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bonner County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 77th, Bonner County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Bonner County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bonner County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (56th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 87th percentile nationally, Bonner County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 83th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Bonner County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 38.8 points above the Idaho state average, Bonner County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Idaho county.
Is your household prepared for Bonner County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bonner County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Bonner County?
How does Bonner County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Bonner County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bonner 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.