Natural Disaster Risk in Gooding

Natural Hazard Profile: Gooding, Idaho

Gooding is a town of roughly 7,347 residents in Gooding County, in the Great Plains. The area experiences dry summers, cold winters, and significant wildfire risk, with a high fire danger period from July through September shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Gooding.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Gooding carries an overall risk score of 5.0/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to volcano and avalanche.

Gooding's risk score, near the 5.1/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Gooding County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, volcano, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Gooding residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.