Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Montana
Madison County shows moderate risk profile
With a composite risk score of 41.03, Madison County ranks in the very low category and slightly exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31. The county's risk stems primarily from wildfire and earthquake exposure rather than multiple concurrent hazards.
Middle of the pack for Montana
Madison County's score of 41.03 sits modestly above the Montana state average of 33.31, placing it in the middle range of the state's 56 counties. This positions residents in a more typical risk zone compared to either Montana's highest or lowest-risk areas.
Safer than Lewis and Clark and Missoula
Madison County's score of 41.03 runs substantially lower than neighboring Lewis and Clark (71.25) and Missoula (77.04) but higher than Meagher (2.80). The county occupies a relative safety zone in southwestern Montana.
Wildfire and earthquake present primary threats
Wildfire risk reaches 87.34 in Madison County—well above the state norm—while earthquake risk at 79.90 reflects the county's position in a seismically active region. Flood risk scores 29.83, presenting modest but measurable exposure in some areas.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage both matter
Madison County homeowners should ensure wildfire damage coverage is explicitly included in their policy given the 87.34 risk score, and seriously consider purchasing earthquake insurance given the 79.90 exposure. Reviewing your property's specific flood risk with your insurer ensures you have appropriate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Madison County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 41th percentile. At the 41th percentile, Madison 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 Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (30th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for wildfire, Madison 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, earthquake at the 80th 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 Madison County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
A composite score 7.7 points above the Montana state average puts Madison County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Madison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.