Custer County Disaster Risk
Custer County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Custer County, Montana
Custer's Risk Sits Above National Average
With a composite risk score of 42.14, Custer County faces higher-than-average natural disaster risk compared to the national baseline. Your county's "Very Low" rating reflects Montana's generally moderate hazard profile, though wildfire emerges as a notable concern at 85.37—well above typical levels.
Middle of the Pack in Montana
Custer ranks around the middle for risk among Montana's 56 counties, with a score of 42.14 versus the state average of 33.31. This positions you in a moderate risk band—safer than western Montana counties but facing real hazard exposure.
Higher Risk Than Eastern Neighbors
Custer's composite score of 42.14 significantly exceeds nearby Fallon County (5.41) and Daniels County (1.81), but remains well below Flathead County (86.45) to the northwest. Your wildfire risk of 85.37 is the primary driver of this gap with eastern plains counties.
Wildfire and Flood Drive Your Risk
Wildfire dominates Custer County's hazard profile at 85.37, making it your most pressing natural disaster threat. Flood risk (38.30) ranks as your secondary concern, while tornadoes (16.16) and earthquakes (31.39) pose lower but measurable dangers.
Prioritize Wildfire and Flood Coverage
Homeowners in Custer County should ensure comprehensive fire insurance and confirm flood coverage, especially in low-lying areas. Given your wildfire score of 85.37, defensible space maintenance and fire-resistant landscaping are critical investments beyond insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Custer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Custer County
Risk Verdict
Custer County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally. At the 42th percentile, Custer County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Custer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (31th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Custer 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. A secondary flood exposure at the 38th percentile nationally means Custer County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Custer County residents.
Regional Context
At 8.8 points above the Montana state average, Custer County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Montana county.
Is your household prepared for Custer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Custer County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Custer County?
How does Custer County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Custer County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Custer 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.