Montana natural disaster risk
Montana ranks #9 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are winter weather, wildfire, cold wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Montana's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone County | 168,957 | 83.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Gallatin County | 124,074 | 81.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Missoula County | 120,672 | 77.0 | Relatively Low |
| Flathead County | 110,695 | 86.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cascade County | 84,606 | 83.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lewis and Clark County | 73,464 | 71.2 | Relatively Low |
| Ravalli County | 46,727 | 78.5 | Relatively Low |
| Silver Bow County | 35,785 | 38.0 | Very Low |
| Lake County | 32,561 | 67.7 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 21,175 | 64.3 | Relatively Low |
| Park County | 17,710 | 66.3 | Relatively Low |
| Hill County | 16,155 | 50.4 | Relatively Low |
| Glacier County | 13,637 | 51.5 | Relatively Low |
| Sanders County | 13,285 | 47.4 | Relatively Low |
| Big Horn County | 12,891 | 57.2 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 12,774 | 21.6 | Very Low |
| Custer County | 11,961 | 42.1 | Very Low |
| Fergus County | 11,687 | 45.1 | Relatively Low |
| Richland County | 11,235 | 52.7 | Relatively Low |
| Carbon County | 11,116 | 59.8 | Relatively Low |
| Roosevelt County | 10,526 | 54.5 | Relatively Low |
| Beaverhead County | 9,713 | 42.9 | Relatively Low |
| Deer Lodge County | 9,597 | 17.6 | Very Low |
| Madison County | 9,223 | 41.0 | Very Low |
| Stillwater County | 9,182 | 16.8 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Montana
- Silver Bow County 38.0
- Lincoln County 64.3
- Lake County 67.7
- Lewis and Clark County 71.2
- Missoula County 77.0
- Ravalli County 78.5
- Gallatin County 81.0
- Cascade County 83.1
Cities in Montana
- Billings, MT risk 79
Frequently asked questions
Is Montana safe from natural disasters?
Montana's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 67.1 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #9 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Montana?
The highest relative risks in Montana are winter weather, wildfire, cold wave (national percentile scores 89, 88, 88).
Where is the safest place to live in Montana?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Silver Bow County, Lincoln County, Lake County.