Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
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
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Montana
Lincoln County carries elevated disaster risk
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 64.28 ranks it as relatively low nationally but significantly above average for exposure to natural hazards. The score primarily reflects concentrated wildfire and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Among Montana's higher-risk counties
At 64.28, Lincoln County substantially exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed areas. Only a few Montana counties show comparable or higher composite risk scores.
Riskier than most regional peers
Lincoln County's score of 64.28 exceeds neighboring Mineral County (7.35) and Madison County (41.03) but falls slightly below Missoula County (77.04). The western Montana region shows substantial variation in disaster risk.
Wildfire and earthquake create serious exposure
Wildfire risk in Lincoln County reaches 96.60—among the highest in Montana—while earthquake risk scores 63.55, reflecting the county's mountain location. Flood risk at 65.49 adds a third meaningful hazard, particularly for properties near rivers and streams.
Wildfire coverage is non-negotiable
Lincoln County residents must verify that wildfire damage is explicitly covered in their homeowners policy, as many standard policies exclude it despite the 96.60 wildfire risk score. Adding earthquake coverage and reviewing flood risk for your specific property location are equally important protective steps.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (64th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lincoln County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Lincoln County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 65th percentile nationally means Lincoln County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Lincoln 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
Compared to other Montana counties, Lincoln County runs 31.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.