Owyhee County Disaster Risk
Owyhee County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% 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 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County faces moderate national risk
Owyhee County's composite risk score of 44.12 exceeds the national average and carries a "Relatively Low" rating, indicating moderate but manageable disaster exposure. While not among the nation's riskiest counties, residents should remain vigilant about natural hazards that affect the region.
Above-average risk statewide
With a score of 44.12, Owyhee County ranks above Idaho's state average of 38.51, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. This elevation reflects the county's particular vulnerability to wildfires and floods, hazards that shape the region's disaster profile.
Owyhee's wildfire risk dominates Southwest Idaho
Owyhee County's 44.12 score ranks higher than nearby Payette County (17.11) but below Madison County (58.62), establishing it as a moderate-risk zone in the region. The county's wildfire risk of 95.80 stands out as Idaho's highest, reflecting its arid landscape and dense sagebrush vegetation.
Extreme wildfire risk shapes county exposure
Owyhee County faces a wildfire risk score of 95.80—the highest in Idaho—due to vast expanses of sagebrush and grassland that burn readily and rapidly, especially in late summer. Flood risk at 58.72 presents a secondary concern, as desert storms can trigger flash flooding in canyons and low-lying areas.
Wildfire insurance is critical here
With Idaho's highest wildfire risk at 95.80, Owyhee County homeowners must ensure their insurance explicitly covers wildfire damage and maintain extensive defensible space—clearing vegetation 100+ feet from structures. Additionally, residents in flood-prone canyons and washes should evaluate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly in areas with historical flooding.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Owyhee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Owyhee County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 44th, Owyhee County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Even at the 44th percentile, Owyhee County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Owyhee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Owyhee 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. A secondary flood exposure at the 59th percentile nationally means Owyhee County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Owyhee County residents.
Regional Context
At 5.6 points above the Idaho state average, Owyhee County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Idaho county.
Is your household prepared for Owyhee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Owyhee County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Owyhee County?
How does Owyhee County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Owyhee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Owyhee 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.