Petroleum County Disaster Risk
Petroleum County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Petroleum County, Montana
Petroleum County is exceptionally safe
Petroleum County's composite risk score of 1.30 ranks among the lowest in the nation, indicating Very Low natural disaster exposure. This puts the county in the safest tier nationally, with hazard risks far below typical American communities.
Montana's lowest-risk county
Petroleum County's score of 1.30 is dramatically below Montana's state average of 33.31—the county faces roughly 4% of typical state-level risk. It stands as one of the most geographically stable counties in Montana.
Significantly safer than adjacent counties
Petroleum County's risk score of 1.30 is substantially lower than neighboring Phillips County (34.51) and Musselshell County (17.05). The county's isolated location and stable geology create a remarkably low-hazard environment.
Wildfire is the only notable concern
Wildfire risk of 66.48 is the sole significant hazard in Petroleum County, while flood (1.97), tornado (2.54), and earthquake (1.65) risks remain minimal. The county's grassland and rangeland landscape creates seasonal fire potential despite overall low disaster exposure.
Focus on wildfire preparedness and insurance
Basic homeowners insurance covering wildfire is the primary protective measure needed in Petroleum County. Maintain cleared defensible space and monitor seasonal fire conditions, as this is your primary natural hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Petroleum County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Petroleum County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Petroleum County ranks at the 1th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 1th percentile nationally, Petroleum County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Petroleum County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 3th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (2th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Petroleum County sits at the 66th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Petroleum County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 3th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Petroleum County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 32.0 points below the Montana state average, Petroleum County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Petroleum County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Petroleum County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Petroleum County?
How does Petroleum County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Petroleum County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Petroleum 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.