Gooding County Disaster Risk
Gooding County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% 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 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gooding County, Idaho
Gooding County's risk is well below average
With a composite risk score of 25.45 and a Very Low rating, Gooding County sits comfortably below the national average for natural disaster hazards. The county's location and landscape provide genuine protection from extreme exposure.
Safer than most Idaho counties
Gooding County's score of 25.45 ranks well below Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the safer tier of state counties. Most neighboring counties face substantially higher cumulative risk.
A relative safe zone in south-central Idaho
Gooding County's 25.45 score is notably lower than nearby Elmore (51.97), Custer (52.42), and Fremont (38.26) counties. This safety advantage reflects both geographic position and landscape characteristics.
Wildfire and earthquake warrant preparation
Wildfire risk at 95.29 and earthquake risk at 58.49 are Gooding County's primary concerns, while flood (25.92) and tornado (9.57) pose much lower threats. Despite overall low county risk, these two hazards deserve attention.
Wildfire and earthquake insurance coverage needed
Gooding County homeowners should add wildfire coverage to standard policies and consider earthquake insurance, given the county's exposure to both hazards. Basic preparedness—including 30+ feet of defensible space and foundation bolting—provides cost-effective protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gooding County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gooding County
Risk Verdict
Gooding County's overall natural disaster score at the 25th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 25th percentile nationally is an advantage for Gooding County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gooding County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (26th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 95th percentile nationally, Gooding County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Gooding County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 58th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Gooding County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Gooding County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Gooding County's composite risk score sits 13.1 points below the Idaho county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Gooding County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gooding County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Gooding County?
How does Gooding County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Gooding County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Gooding 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.