Gooding County, Idaho Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ID
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 25th
Gooding County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 25.4, 25th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Gooding County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 25.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 25th 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.
Most of Gooding County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $136K in expected annual loss and about 9.80 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $412K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Gooding County has a 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: Gooding County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 44 Idaho counties, Gooding County ranks #30 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 9.80 / yr | $136K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $412K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.63 / yr | $487K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $97K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $210 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $23K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $262K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 20.05 / yr | $73K |
| Drought | Very Low | 61.13 / yr | $5K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.38 / yr | $110K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $12 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $57K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Gooding County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Flood | Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| April 2017 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| November 1983 | Earthquake | Earthquake |
| December 1964 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Gooding County?
Gooding County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 25.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 25th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Gooding County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $4M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $136K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $412K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Gooding County compare to other Idaho counties?
Gooding County ranks #30 of 44 Idaho counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Gooding County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Gooding County since 1964, most often 3 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Gooding County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.