Payette County Disaster Risk
Payette County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Payette County, Idaho
Payette County carries very low national risk
Payette County's composite risk score of 17.11 falls well below the national average and earns a "Very Low" overall rating. This favorable position means residents face fewer catastrophic natural disaster threats than most American communities.
Well below Idaho's risk average
Payette County's score of 17.11 sits substantially beneath Idaho's state average of 38.51, making it one of the state's safer counties. This advantage reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories, with wildfire representing the primary concern.
Payette ranks among regional safest
At 17.11, Payette County is nearly as low-risk as Power County (16.92) and significantly safer than nearby Madison County (58.62) and Owyhee County (44.12). The county's balanced safety profile makes it one of Western Idaho's most secure regions.
Wildfires create seasonal threat
Payette County's wildfire risk of 89.98 represents the primary natural disaster concern, as surrounding forests and grasslands become increasingly flammable during dry summer months. Earthquake risk at 55.85 poses a secondary threat, though moderate compared to other Idaho counties.
Ensure wildfire and earthquake coverage
Homeowners in Payette County should confirm their standard homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and create defensible space by removing dead vegetation and trees within 100 feet of structures. Given the moderate earthquake risk of 55.85, adding earthquake insurance through a separate policy provides important protection against potential seismic damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Payette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Payette County
Risk Verdict
Payette County's overall natural disaster score at the 17th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Payette County's favorable 17th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Payette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 90th percentile nationally, Payette 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 Payette County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's earthquake exposure at the 56th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Payette County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Payette County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Payette County's composite risk score sits 21.4 points below the Idaho county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Payette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Payette County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Payette County?
How does Payette County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Payette County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Payette 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.