Gem County Disaster Risk
Gem County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
34th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% 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 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gem County, Idaho
Gem County's risk slightly trails national average
With a composite risk score of 34.45 and a Very Low rating, Gem County sits slightly below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's profile is shaped primarily by wildfire and earthquake risks.
Below-average risk for Idaho
Gem County's score of 34.45 falls below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the safer half of Idaho counties. Most neighboring counties experience comparable or higher cumulative hazard exposure.
Wildfire threat unites western Idaho
Gem County's wildfire risk of 96.50 mirrors Elmore (97.65) and Clearwater (96.41) counties, reflecting the shared forest fire exposure across this region. Earthquake risk (51.02) is moderate compared to more remote mountain counties.
Wildfire dominates the hazard landscape
Wildfire risk at 96.50 is Gem County's paramount concern, followed by earthquake (51.02), flood (35.69), and tornado (5.85). The county's terrain and vegetation patterns create extreme fire exposure.
Wildfire insurance is essential coverage
Gem County homeowners must verify wildfire coverage on their policies—standard homeowners policies often exclude it. Create and maintain defensible space around structures, trim overhanging branches, and keep gutters clear of debris to reduce fire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gem County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gem County
Risk Verdict
Gem County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally. A 34th percentile score positions Gem County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gem County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (36th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Gem County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's earthquake exposure at the 51th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Gem County residents.
Regional Context
Gem County tracks the Idaho county average closely, sitting 4.1 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Idaho.
Is your household prepared for Gem County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gem County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Gem County?
How does Gem County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Gem County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Gem 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.