Idaho Falls, Idaho: natural disaster risk
How exposed Idaho Falls is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bonneville County.
Idaho Falls is a city of 67,725 people in Bonneville County, Idaho. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bonneville County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $64.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 224 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 6 tornadoes and 20 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bonneville County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Idaho Falls
Full Bonneville County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $16M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Avalanche | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $612K | |
| Tornado | $217K | |
| Winter weather | $150K | |
| Landslide | $142K |
Homes in Idaho Falls
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Bonneville County
Common questions about Idaho Falls
Is Idaho Falls safe from natural disasters?
Idaho Falls is in Bonneville County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Idaho Falls?
By expected yearly losses in Bonneville County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High). Bonneville County has been part of 5 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Idaho Falls get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 6 tornadoes in Bonneville County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 7, 1978. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Idaho Falls?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bonneville County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.