Fremont County, Idaho Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ID
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 38th
Fremont County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.3, 38th national percentile), driven primarily by avalanche and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Fremont County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 38.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 38th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.20 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fremont County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Fremont County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 44 Idaho counties, Fremont County ranks #23 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Avalanche | High | 0.20 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.04 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.96 / yr | $19K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 29.24 / yr | $261K |
| Lightning | Medium | 37.88 / yr | $616K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.35 / yr | $1M |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16 |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.50 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $177K |
| Drought | Very Low | 67.53 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $67K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.49 / yr | $78K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $44K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Fremont County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Hurricane (1), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| June 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Snowmelt, Land/Mud Slides, Flooding |
| June 1976 | Flood | Dam Collapse, Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fremont County?
Fremont County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 38th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Fremont County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Avalanche (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fremont County compare to other Idaho counties?
Fremont County ranks #23 of 44 Idaho counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fremont County had?
FEMA records 5 federal disaster declarations for Fremont County since 1976, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Fremont County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.