Idaho County Disaster Risk
Idaho County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% 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 Idaho County, Idaho
Idaho County's composite risk ranks relatively low nationally
With a composite risk score of 78.37, Idaho County faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the nation's average. This "Relatively Low" rating means residents should remain prepared, particularly for the hazards most prevalent in this region.
Among Idaho counties, risk here is notably elevated
Idaho County scores 78.37—more than double the state average of 38.51—making it one of Idaho's higher-risk counties. This elevation is driven primarily by exceptionally high wildfire and flood exposure.
Idaho County stands out among nearby peers
Neighbors like Latah County (33.27) and Lemhi County (41.44) carry substantially lower composite scores, putting Idaho County at significantly elevated risk. The county's 78.37 score reflects unique geographic vulnerabilities in this region of central Idaho.
Wildfire and flood dominate local hazards
Wildfire risk scores an extreme 98.73, and flood risk reaches 72.90—both far above state averages. Tornado risk remains minimal at 6.08, so preparedness efforts should focus on fire and water-related threats.
Secure wildfire and flood coverage now
Given wildfire risk near 99 and substantial flood exposure, homeowners should verify comprehensive coverage including wildfire and flood insurance. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude both—a critical gap in a county with Idaho County's hazard profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Idaho County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Idaho County
Risk Verdict
At the 78th percentile nationally, Idaho County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Idaho County.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Idaho County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Idaho County's primary hazard at the 99th percentile nationally. For Idaho County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary flood exposure at the 73th percentile nationally means Idaho County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Idaho County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Idaho County falls 39.9 points above Idaho's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Idaho County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Idaho County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Idaho County?
How does Idaho County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Idaho County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Idaho 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.