Shoshone County Disaster Risk
Shoshone County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% 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 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Shoshone County, Idaho
Shoshone County faces above-average risk
Shoshone County's composite risk score of 62.85 places it above the national average and carries a "Relatively Low" overall rating. While not among the nation's highest-risk counties, residents face meaningful natural disaster exposure that requires preparedness and appropriate insurance.
Idaho's highest-risk county
Shoshone County's score of 62.85 ranks it as Idaho's riskiest county, substantially exceeding the state average of 38.51. This elevated position reflects the county's particular vulnerability to floods and wildfires in its mountainous terrain and river valleys.
Shoshone leads panhandle in risk
Shoshone County's 62.85 score ranks higher than all neighboring counties, making it the most disaster-exposed region in North Idaho and the Panhandle. Madison County's 58.62 comes closest, but Shoshone's flood risk of 76.02 sets it distinctly apart.
Floods and wildfires threaten Panhandle
Shoshone County faces a flood risk of 76.02—among Idaho's highest—due to its mountainous terrain where spring snowmelt and heavy rains inundate river valleys and create flash flood hazards. Wildfire risk at 69.62 compounds concerns, as surrounding forests provide abundant fuel for seasonal fires that threaten communities and air quality.
Flood and wildfire insurance essential
Given Shoshone County's flood risk of 76.02, homeowners should strongly consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if located near rivers, creeks, or historically flood-prone areas. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space by clearing vegetation around structures, as the county's 69.62 wildfire score requires serious fire preparedness.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Shoshone County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Shoshone County
Risk Verdict
Shoshone County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Shoshone County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Shoshone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Shoshone County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 70th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. For most Shoshone County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Shoshone County's composite risk score sits 24.3 points above the Idaho county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Shoshone County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Shoshone County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Shoshone County?
How does Shoshone County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Shoshone County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Shoshone 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.