Idaho natural disaster risk
Idaho ranks #8 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are wildfire, winter weather, earthquake.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Idaho's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada County | 518,935 | 87.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Canyon County | 250,790 | 71.7 | Relatively Low |
| Kootenai County | 181,996 | 79.0 | Relatively Low |
| Bonneville County | 129,523 | 82.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Twin Falls County | 93,734 | 46.9 | Relatively Low |
| Bannock County | 89,454 | 66.9 | Relatively Low |
| Madison County | 54,618 | 58.6 | Relatively Low |
| Bonner County | 51,049 | 77.3 | Relatively Low |
| Bingham County | 49,664 | 60.1 | Relatively Low |
| Nez Perce County | 42,697 | 33.0 | Very Low |
| Latah County | 41,049 | 33.3 | Very Low |
| Jefferson County | 33,154 | 40.1 | Very Low |
| Elmore County | 29,321 | 52.0 | Relatively Low |
| Payette County | 26,771 | 17.1 | Very Low |
| Cassia County | 25,483 | 43.6 | Relatively Low |
| Jerome County | 25,173 | 21.5 | Very Low |
| Blaine County | 24,951 | 65.4 | Relatively Low |
| Minidoka County | 22,208 | 20.5 | Very Low |
| Gem County | 20,614 | 34.4 | Very Low |
| Idaho County | 17,432 | 78.4 | Relatively Low |
| Gooding County | 15,931 | 25.4 | Very Low |
| Franklin County | 15,056 | 7.6 | Very Low |
| Fremont County | 13,943 | 38.3 | Very Low |
| Shoshone County | 13,785 | 62.8 | Relatively Low |
| Boundary County | 13,172 | 26.1 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Idaho
- Payette County 17.1
- Minidoka County 20.5
- Jerome County 21.5
- Nez Perce County 33.0
- Latah County 33.3
- Gem County 34.4
- Jefferson County 40.1
- Cassia County 43.6
Cities in Idaho
- Boise, ID risk 80.5
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho safe from natural disasters?
Idaho's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 65.7 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #8 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Idaho?
The highest relative risks in Idaho are wildfire, winter weather, earthquake (national percentile scores 90, 83, 76).
Where is the safest place to live in Idaho?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Payette County, Minidoka County, Jerome County.