Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Idaho
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 44 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% 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 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Idaho
Washington County has very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 30.31, Washington County ranks among the lowest-risk counties nationally for natural disaster exposure. This score positions residents well below the U.S. average and in one of America's safer disaster zones.
Second-safest county in Idaho
Washington County scores 30.31 against Idaho's state average of 38.51, ranking as the second-lowest risk county in the state. Only Teton County (29.45) presents a lower combined natural disaster threat.
Much safer than Valley and Twin Falls
Washington County (30.31) rivals Teton County in safety, significantly outperforming nearby Valley County (55.63) and Twin Falls County (46.95). The county emerges as one of Idaho's most resilient regions for multi-hazard disaster preparedness.
Wildfire dominates despite low overall risk
Despite its very low composite rating, Washington County faces notable wildfire risk at 95.61, the second-highest among the four profiled counties. Earthquake exposure (53.78) presents a moderate secondary threat, while flood and tornado risks remain low.
Don't skip wildfire coverage
While Washington County enjoys relatively low overall disaster risk, wildfire exposure demands specialized insurance that standard homeowners policies exclude. Adding wildfire protection ensures your home stays protected despite the county's favorable risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 30th percentile nationally is an advantage for Washington County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Washington 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. The county's earthquake exposure at the 54th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Washington County residents.
Regional Context
Washington County falls 8.2 points below Idaho's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, ID?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Idaho average?
Is Washington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.