Big Horn County Disaster Risk
Big Horn County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Big Horn County, Montana
Big Horn faces above-average multi-hazard risk
Big Horn County's composite risk score of 57.22 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure to wildfires and flooding. While still rated Relatively Low, the county's risk profile is notably more complex than most U.S. counties.
High risk ranking among Montana counties
Big Horn County ranks in the upper quarter of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 57.22, substantially exceeding the state average of 33.31. The county's wildfire risk (94.85) is among the highest in the state, placing it in a distinct risk category.
More exposed to fire and flooding than peers
Big Horn's wildfire risk (94.85) ranks among the highest in the region, significantly higher than Carbon County (93.32) and far exceeding Chouteau (72.58). Its flood risk (55.12) also substantially exceeds neighboring counties like Blaine (46.53) and reflects the county's exposure to mountain snowmelt and summer storms.
Wildfires and floods dominate your risk profile
Big Horn County faces exceptional wildfire risk (94.85) and moderate-to-high flood risk (55.12), making these your two primary hazard concerns. Tornado risk (12.05) is modest compared to state averages, and earthquake risk (39.60) remains below regional highs.
Bundle wildfire and flood coverage immediately
Your county's dual exposure to wildfires and flooding means standard policies often fall short; wildfire damage is typically excluded from homeowners insurance. Work with an agent to add wildfire coverage and ensure your flood insurance limits account for proximity to flood-prone areas and wildland-urban interface zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Big Horn County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Big Horn County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 57th, Big Horn County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Big Horn County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (40th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Big Horn County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 55th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Big Horn County residents.
Regional Context
At 23.9 points above the Montana state average, Big Horn County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Montana county.
Is your household prepared for Big Horn County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Big Horn County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Big Horn County?
How does Big Horn County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Big Horn County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Big Horn 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.