Custer County Disaster Risk
Custer County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Custer County, Idaho
Custer County faces elevated national risk
With a composite risk score of 52.42 and a Relatively Low rating, Custer County exceeds the national average for natural disaster hazards. The county's mountainous terrain and remote location create multiple exposure points.
Among Idaho's higher-risk counties
Custer County's score of 52.42 ranks significantly above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the upper tier of state risk. Only a few Idaho counties experience comparable or greater cumulative hazard exposure.
Earthquake and wildfire define the region
Custer County's earthquake risk of 79.29 is the highest among regional neighbors, while its wildfire risk of 87.02 places it alongside other central Idaho counties. This combination reflects the county's position atop active seismic zones and extensive forests.
Earthquake and wildfire pose greatest threats
Custer County residents face earthquake risk of 79.29 and wildfire risk of 87.02, while flood (57.32) and tornado (2.99) pose secondary concerns. The county's mountain location amplifies both seismic and forest fire exposure.
Earthquakes require structural preparation
Beyond standard homeowners coverage, Custer County properties benefit from earthquake insurance and wildfire riders given the county's dual-hazard exposure. Foundation bolting and wildfire-resistant landscaping are also critical investments for long-term protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Custer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Custer County
Risk Verdict
Custer County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Custer County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Custer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Custer County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 87th percentile nationally. Custer 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. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 79th percentile nationally means Custer County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Custer 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
Custer County's composite risk score sits 13.9 points above the Idaho county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Custer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Custer County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Custer County?
How does Custer County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Custer County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Custer 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.