Chouteau County Disaster Risk
Chouteau County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% 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 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chouteau County, Montana
Chouteau's risk moderately exceeds the national baseline
Chouteau County scores 39.47 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Very Low category but above the national average. The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire exposure (72.58) and moderate flood risk (50.38), while earthquake and tornado hazards remain comparatively low.
Below-average risk profile for Montana
Chouteau County ranks in the lower half of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 39.47, slightly above the state average of 33.31. The county's Very Low overall risk rating reflects below-average exposure to earthquakes and tornadoes compared to the state.
Similar risk profile to nearby counties
Chouteau's composite score (39.47) falls between neighboring Blaine (45.87) and Broadwater (17.68), with wildfire risk (72.58) comparable to Blaine (69.85). Flood risk (50.38) is higher than Broadwater (19.08) but lower than Big Horn (55.12), reflecting moderate exposure to precipitation and snowmelt.
Wildfire and flood risks merit preparation
Chouteau County residents face meaningful wildfire risk (72.58) and moderate flood risk (50.38), making these the primary focus of emergency planning. Earthquake risk (27.07) and tornado risk (11.86) are both well below state and national averages, simplifying your insurance considerations.
Add wildfire coverage to your policy
Chouteau's wildfire and flood exposure means standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient; add wildfire coverage and verify flood insurance adequacy. Maintain defensible space around your home and stay informed about seasonal fire danger and flood warnings to protect your family and property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chouteau County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chouteau County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Chouteau County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 39th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Chouteau County's favorable 39th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Chouteau County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (27th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 73th percentile nationally for wildfire, Chouteau County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 50th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Chouteau County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 6.2 points above the Montana state average puts Chouteau County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Chouteau County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chouteau County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Chouteau County?
How does Chouteau County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Chouteau County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chouteau 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.