Powder River County Disaster Risk
Powder River County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Powder River County, Montana
Powder River County is exceptionally safe
Powder River County's composite risk score of 4.01 ranks among America's safest communities, with Very Low natural disaster exposure. The county's hazard profile is approximately 8% of typical national risk levels.
One of Montana's safest counties
Powder River County's score of 4.01 ranks as one of the lowest in Montana, well below the state average of 33.31. The county's risk exposure is roughly 88% lower than typical Montana communities.
Safest county in its region
Powder River County's risk score of 4.01 is lower than all nearby counties, including Musselshell (17.05), Phillips (34.51), and Petroleum (1.30). It represents an exceptionally stable natural hazard environment across southeastern Montana.
Wildfire is the primary seasonal threat
Wildfire risk of 87.98 is Powder River County's dominant hazard, while flood (7.82), tornado (7.28), and earthquake (17.97) risks all remain minimal. The county's rangeland landscape creates fire season vulnerability despite overall very low disaster exposure.
Wildfire insurance and seasonal vigilance
Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space as your primary protective measures. Monitor fire season conditions and keep emergency evacuation plans current, as this is your county's only notable natural hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Powder River County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Powder River County
Risk Verdict
Powder River County's overall natural disaster score at the 4th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Powder River County's favorable 4th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Powder River County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (8th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 88th percentile nationally, Powder River 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 Powder River County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 18th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Powder River County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Powder River County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Powder River County's composite risk score sits 29.3 points below the Montana county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Powder River County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Powder River County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Powder River County?
How does Powder River County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Powder River County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Powder River 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.