Lewis and Clark County Disaster Risk
Lewis and Clark County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% 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 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lewis and Clark County, Montana
Lewis and Clark faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 71.25, Lewis and Clark County ranks in the relatively low category—but sits well above the national baseline. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake risks that exceed typical American county profiles.
Among Montana's riskiest counties
Lewis and Clark's score of 71.25 far exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The county's vulnerability stands out due to concentrated earthquake and wildfire risks that dominate its risk profile.
Higher risk than most neighbors
Lewis and Clark's composite score of 71.25 significantly outpaces nearby Madison County (41.03) and Meagher County (2.80). Only Missoula County, at 77.04, carries comparably elevated disaster risk in the region.
Wildfire and earthquake dominate here
Wildfire risk reaches 92.84 in Lewis and Clark—nearly as high as the state's most fire-prone counties—while earthquake risk scores 86.77, reflecting the county's location in a seismically active zone. Flood risk, at 64.57, also poses meaningful exposure to property damage, particularly along river corridors.
Comprehensive coverage protects your investment
Lewis and Clark residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage, often excluded from standard policies. Adding earthquake coverage is essential given the county's 86.77 earthquake risk score; bundled policies typically offer cost savings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lewis and Clark County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lewis and Clark County
Risk Verdict
At the 71th percentile nationally, Lewis and Clark County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Lewis and Clark County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lewis and Clark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Lewis and Clark County's primary hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. For Lewis and Clark County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's earthquake exposure at the 87th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Lewis and Clark County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Lewis and Clark County falls 37.9 points above Montana's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Lewis and Clark County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lewis and Clark County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Lewis and Clark County?
How does Lewis and Clark County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Lewis and Clark County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lewis and Clark 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.