Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Idaho
Madison County faces above-average disaster risk
Madison County's composite risk score of 58.62 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure to multiple hazard types. The county's "Relatively Low" rating indicates moderate concern compared to the highest-risk U.S. counties, but residents should remain prepared for potential natural disasters.
Riskier than most Idaho counties
With a score of 58.62, Madison County ranks among Idaho's higher-risk counties, substantially above the state average of 38.51. This elevated positioning reflects the county's particular vulnerability to earthquakes and wildfires compared to its neighbors statewide.
Madison stands out in Southeast Idaho
Madison County's risk score of 58.62 far exceeds nearby Minidoka County (20.48) and Oneida County (1.40), making it the riskiest in its immediate region. Only Shoshone County in Idaho's panhandle registers higher overall risk at 62.85, highlighting Madison's distinct hazard profile.
Earthquakes and wildfires drive risk here
Madison County faces an earthquake risk score of 87.60—one of Idaho's highest—reflecting its location in a seismically active region where tremors pose real threats to homes and infrastructure. Wildfire risk at 70.26 compounds concerns, as vegetation in the surrounding valleys and mountains creates seasonal fire exposure that can impact air quality and property safety.
Secure earthquake and wildfire coverage now
Given Madison County's elevated earthquake risk, homeowners should verify that their insurance includes earthquake coverage, as standard policies exclude it in most states. Additionally, residents in fire-prone areas should ensure their homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around their properties by clearing debris and trimming trees.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Madison County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Madison County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Madison County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Alongside earthquake exposure, Madison County's wildfire risk at the 70th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Madison County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Madison County's composite risk score sits 20.1 points above the Idaho county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Madison County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.