Park County Disaster Risk
Park County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Park County, Montana
Park County faces elevated national risk
With a composite risk score of 66.28, Park County ranks as Relatively Low compared to the nation, but sits nearly double Montana's average risk level. The county faces more diverse and significant natural hazards than most U.S. communities.
Higher risk than most Montana counties
Park County's score of 66.28 significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's elevated exposure stems from multiple overlapping hazard types rather than a single dominant threat.
Most exposed county in its region
Park County's risk score of 66.28 substantially exceeds neighboring Musselshell (17.05) and Powell (9.96) counties. Its earthquake risk (76.40) and wildfire risk (93.51) are among the highest in south-central Montana.
Earthquakes and wildfires dominate threats
Park County faces significant earthquake risk (76.40) and wildfire risk (93.51), with flood hazard (55.63) creating a triple threat. The county's mountainous terrain and proximity to seismic zones amplify exposure to multiple concurrent disasters.
Comprehensive coverage essential here
Residents should secure flood, earthquake, and wildfire coverage through standard homeowners policies or separate riders—comprehensive insurance is critical. Consider retrofitting for seismic safety and creating 100-foot defensible zones around structures to reduce compound risk exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Park County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Park County
Risk Verdict
Park County ranks at the 66th 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 Park County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), tornado (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Park County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Park County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's earthquake exposure at the 76th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Park 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, Park County runs 33.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Park County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Park County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Park County?
How does Park County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Park County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Park 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.