Power County, Idaho Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ID
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 17th
Power County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 16.9, 17th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Power County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 16.9 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 — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.02 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.70 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $146K in expected annual loss and about 15.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Power 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: Power County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1964, 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, Power County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.02 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.70 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 15.58 / yr | $146K |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $73 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $450K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.41 / yr | $257K |
| Drought | Very Low | 63.73 / yr | $12K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 28.89 / yr | $79K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.59 / yr | $116 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $31 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $35K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $67K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $25K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Power County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1964, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Hurricane (1), Fire (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| September 2000 | Fire | Wildfires |
| December 1964 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Power County?
Power County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 16.9 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 Power County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $146K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Power County compare to other Idaho counties?
Power County ranks #35 of 44 Idaho counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Power County had?
FEMA records 5 federal disaster declarations for Power County since 1964, 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. Power County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.