Beaverhead County Disaster Risk
Beaverhead County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Beaverhead County, Montana
Beaverhead's risk sits above the national baseline
Beaverhead County scores 42.88 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This score reflects above-average earthquake and wildfire exposure compared to most U.S. counties, though flood and tornado risks remain modest by national standards.
A mid-range hazard profile for Montana
Among Montana's 56 counties, Beaverhead ranks in the middle of the risk distribution with a composite score of 42.88, compared to the state average of 33.31. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (85.66) and wildfire risk (84.32) than most of its peers statewide.
More seismically active than nearby counties
Beaverhead's earthquake risk (85.66) significantly exceeds that of neighboring Broadwater (74.87) and Chouteau (27.07) counties, reflecting its proximity to Montana's seismic zones. Its wildfire risk (84.32) aligns closely with regional trends but remains higher than Blaine County's 69.85 rating.
Earthquakes and wildfires are your top threats
Beaverhead residents face the highest exposure to earthquakes (85.66) and wildfires (84.32), both well above state and national medians for rural counties. While flood risk (36.32) and tornado risk (6.81) are comparatively low, the combination of seismic and fire hazards demands targeted preparedness planning.
Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and wildfire damage, leaving Beaverhead residents exposed to your county's top two threats. Consider adding earthquake and wildfire riders to your policy and maintaining defensible space around your home to reduce fire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Beaverhead County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Beaverhead County
Risk Verdict
Beaverhead County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 43th percentile across all U.S. counties. Beaverhead County residents can take confidence from a 43th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Beaverhead County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (36th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Beaverhead County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's wildfire risk at the 84th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Beaverhead County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.6 points above the Montana state average puts Beaverhead County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Beaverhead County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Beaverhead County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Beaverhead County?
How does Beaverhead County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Beaverhead County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Beaverhead County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.