Minidoka County Disaster Risk
Minidoka County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Minidoka County, Idaho
Minidoka County shows low national risk profile
Minidoka County's composite risk score of 20.48 places it well below the national average and earns a "Very Low" risk rating. This relatively safe standing means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though localized hazards still warrant attention.
Among Idaho's safest counties
Minidoka County's score of 20.48 sits substantially below Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable position reflects moderate earthquake exposure and manageable flood and wildfire threats compared to neighboring regions.
Minidoka offers relative safety in the region
At 20.48, Minidoka County is nearly as safe as neighboring Oneida County (1.40) and slightly lower-risk than Payette County (17.11), establishing the southern Idaho region as comparatively secure. Madison County's 58.62 score underscores how different hazard exposure can be across the state.
Earthquakes present the main concern
Minidoka County's earthquake risk of 74.33 represents the county's primary natural disaster exposure, though this score remains moderate compared to the most seismically active Idaho counties. Wildfire risk at 55.34 poses a secondary threat, particularly during dry summer months when vegetation becomes more flammable.
Earthquake insurance adds essential protection
While Minidoka County's overall risk is low, its moderate earthquake score of 74.33 makes earthquake insurance a smart investment for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection. A standard homeowners policy protects against wildfire, but earthquake coverage must typically be purchased separately and should be considered given the region's seismic activity.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Minidoka County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Minidoka County
Risk Verdict
At the 20th percentile nationally, Minidoka County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 20th percentile nationally is an advantage for Minidoka County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Minidoka County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (32th percentile), tornado (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Minidoka County ranks at the 74th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. Wildfire at the 55th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Minidoka County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For earthquake preparedness, Minidoka County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 18.0 points below the Idaho state average puts Minidoka County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Minidoka County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Minidoka County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Minidoka County?
How does Minidoka County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Minidoka County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Minidoka 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.