Carter County Disaster Risk
Carter County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
2th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
4th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carter County, Montana
Carter County is exceptionally low-risk nationally
Carter County's composite risk score of 1.75 ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptional rating reflects below-average exposure to nearly all major natural hazards, from floods to earthquakes.
Montana's safest county by far
Carter County's composite score of 1.75 is the lowest in Montana, far below the state average of 33.31 and even lower than other very-low-risk counties. The county's Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories.
Far safer than any surrounding county
Carter County's risk (1.75) is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties; even Broadwater (17.68), Montana's next-safest county, scores 10 times higher. This exceptional safety profile is consistent across all hazard types, from flood to earthquake to tornado.
Minimal natural disaster risk across the board
Carter County residents enjoy remarkably low exposure to natural hazards, with all risk categories below state and national medians. Even the county's highest risks—wildfire (73.82) and tornado (7.60)—remain substantially lower than those of neighboring counties and the state average.
Standard homeowners insurance provides excellent coverage
Carter County's minimal disaster risk means a standard homeowners insurance policy adequately protects most residents. Focus on standard coverage limits and routine maintenance; specialized disaster insurance is unlikely to be cost-effective in your exceptionally safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carter County
Risk Verdict
At the 2th percentile nationally, Carter County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 2th percentile national ranking is one lens; Carter County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Carter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 12th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (8th percentile), flood (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Carter County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Carter County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 12th percentile nationally means Carter County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Carter County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 31.6 points below the Montana state average puts Carter County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Carter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carter County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Carter County?
How does Carter County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Carter County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Carter County a safe place to live?
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.