Fergus County Disaster Risk
Fergus County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fergus County, Montana
Fergus Risk Exceeds National Average
Fergus County's composite risk score of 45.10 surpasses the national average baseline, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. Your county faces substantial natural disaster exposure, particularly from wildfire.
Above-State-Average Risk Profile
At 45.10, Fergus ranks well above Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it in the upper-middle tier for risk. Your county faces notably elevated hazard concentration compared to most Montana communities.
Higher Risk Than Eastern Peers
Fergus County (45.10) significantly exceeds Daniels (1.81) and Fallon (5.41) to the east, approaching Custer County (42.14) to the south. Your central location and wildfire exposure drive this elevated risk profile.
Wildfire Dominates Fergus Threats
Wildfire at 80.41 is Fergus County's primary hazard, making it your critical concern. Flood risk (36.48) presents a secondary threat, while tornadoes (15.71) and earthquakes (25.89) pose lower but measurable dangers.
Prioritize Fire and Flood Insurance
Fergus County residents should ensure comprehensive fire insurance and flood coverage, especially in riparian zones. Given your 80.41 wildfire score, investing in defensible space and fire-resistant materials provides essential protection beyond insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fergus County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fergus County
Risk Verdict
Fergus County's FEMA risk score places it at the 45th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. Being ranked at the 45th percentile nationally is an advantage for Fergus County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Fergus County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fergus County sits at the 80th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Fergus County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 36th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Fergus County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Montana county average is 11.8 composite points below Fergus County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Fergus County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fergus County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Fergus County?
How does Fergus County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Fergus County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fergus 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.