Mineral County Disaster Risk
Mineral County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mineral County, Montana
Mineral County has very low disaster risk
Mineral County's composite risk score of 7.35 places it in the very low category, substantially below national and state averages. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural hazards.
Well below Montana's average risk
At 7.35, Mineral County falls far below Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking among the state's safest counties. Only a few Montana counties demonstrate comparably low overall disaster exposure.
Safer than most western Montana peers
Mineral County's score of 7.35 runs substantially lower than neighboring Lincoln (64.28), Missoula (77.04), and Madison (41.03) counties. Western Montana's mountain valleys show striking variation in natural disaster risk.
Wildfire creates primary exposure
Wildfire risk at 85.56 represents Mineral County's most significant hazard concern, unusual given the county's otherwise low composite score. Earthquake (29.13) and flood (16.00) risks remain modest, while tornado exposure is minimal at 1.30.
Wildfire coverage is essential
Despite Mineral County's overall low disaster risk, the 85.56 wildfire score means residents must ensure their homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire damage. Standard policies often exclude this coverage, requiring a separate rider or specialized policy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mineral County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mineral County
Risk Verdict
Mineral County's overall natural disaster score at the 7th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Mineral County residents can take confidence from a 7th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Mineral County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (16th percentile), tornado (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 86th percentile nationally, Mineral County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Mineral County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's earthquake exposure at the 29th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Mineral County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Mineral County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Mineral County's composite risk score sits 26.0 points below the Montana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Mineral County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mineral County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Mineral County?
How does Mineral County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Mineral County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mineral County a safe place to live?
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.