Carbon County Disaster Risk
Carbon County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carbon County, Montana
Carbon County faces elevated multi-hazard risk nationally
Carbon County scores 59.80 on the composite risk index, placing it well above the national average and in the upper tier of U.S. counties by disaster exposure. This rating reflects high wildfire risk (93.32), significant flood risk (72.26), and moderate earthquake exposure.
Among Montana's highest-risk counties
Carbon County ranks in the top tier of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 59.80, nearly double the state average of 33.31. Only a handful of Montana counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.
Most fire-prone county in the region
Carbon County's wildfire risk (93.32) is among the highest in the state, matching Big Horn (94.85) and substantially exceeding all neighboring counties. Its flood risk (72.26) also significantly exceeds nearby Beaverhead (36.32) and Broadwater (19.08), reflecting the county's complex mountain-valley terrain.
Wildfires and floods are critical threats
Carbon County residents face exceptional wildfire risk (93.32) and significant flood risk (72.26), creating a dual-threat environment unlike most of Montana. Tornado risk (17.08) is moderate, and earthquake risk (53.59) is substantial but not the county's dominant concern.
Wildfire and flood insurance are essential
Carbon County's extreme wildfire and flood exposure make these coverage types non-negotiable; standard homeowners policies exclude both. Work immediately with an insurance agent to secure wildfire coverage, verify flood insurance adequacy, and create defensible space around your home—these steps are critical to your family's financial security.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carbon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carbon County
Risk Verdict
Carbon County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Carbon County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Carbon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), tornado (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Carbon County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. Carbon County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 72th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Carbon County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Carbon County's composite risk score sits 26.5 points above the Montana county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Carbon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carbon County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Carbon County?
How does Carbon County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Carbon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carbon 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.