Payette County, Idaho Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ID
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 17th
Payette County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 17.1, 17th 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
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Payette County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 17.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 17th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $105K in expected annual loss and about 8.26 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $457K 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 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Payette 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: Payette County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1964, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 44 Idaho counties, Payette County ranks #34 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.26 / yr | $105K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $457K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.53 / yr | $428K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $633 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $134K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 18.62 / yr | $92K |
| Drought | Very Low | 19.19 / yr | $616 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $137K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $7K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $69K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $39K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Payette County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Landslides |
| December 1964 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Payette County?
Payette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 17.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 17th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Payette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $105K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $457K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Payette County compare to other Idaho counties?
Payette County ranks #34 of 44 Idaho counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Payette County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Payette County since 1964, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Payette County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.