Blaine County Disaster Risk
Blaine County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Blaine County, Montana
Blaine County's risk moderately above U.S. average
Blaine County scores 45.87 on the composite risk index, positioning it as Relatively Low but notably above the national average. The county's risk is driven by wildfire exposure (69.85) and moderate flood risk (46.53), while earthquake and tornado hazards remain low by comparative standards.
Mid-tier risk profile across Montana
Blaine County ranks in the middle range of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 45.87, above the state average of 33.31. Its wildfire risk (69.85) is significant but lower than the county's most fire-exposed peers like Big Horn and Carbon.
Moderate fire risk relative to regional counterparts
Blaine's wildfire risk (69.85) is notably lower than Big Horn (94.85) and Carbon (93.32) but comparable to Beaverhead (84.32). Its flood risk (46.53) sits between Chouteau (50.38) and Broadwater (19.08), reflecting variable exposure to snowmelt and precipitation patterns across the region.
Wildfires and flooding are your primary concerns
Blaine County residents face meaningful wildfire risk (69.85) and moderate flood risk (46.53), making these the focus of emergency preparedness efforts. Earthquake risk (13.36) and tornado risk (6.68) are notably low, simplifying your insurance and mitigation decisions.
Secure wildfire and flood coverage today
With dual wildfire and flood exposure, Blaine residents need both specialized wildfire insurance and a separate flood policy—standard homeowners coverage excludes both. Ensure your home is in defensible condition and verify that your flood insurance accurately reflects your property's elevation and proximity to flood-prone waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Blaine County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Blaine County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Blaine County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 46th percentile. A 46th percentile score positions Blaine County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Blaine County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (13th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 70th percentile nationally, Blaine County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Blaine County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary flood exposure at the 47th percentile nationally means Blaine County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Blaine County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Blaine County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Blaine County is 12.6 composite risk points above the Montana average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Blaine County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Blaine County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Blaine County?
How does Blaine County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Blaine County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Blaine 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.