Powell County Disaster Risk
Powell County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
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 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Powell County, Montana
Powell County presents minimal national risk
Powell County's composite risk score of 9.96 indicates Very Low natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. averages. The county's combined hazard profile is approximately one-fifth of typical American communities' risk levels.
Well below Montana's average risk
Powell County's score of 9.96 is substantially lower than Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the state's safest counties. The county experiences roughly 70% less risk than the typical Montana community.
Among the safest in its region
Powell County's risk score of 9.96 is comparable to Musselshell County (17.05) and significantly lower than Park County (66.28). It ranks as one of the more stable communities in south-central Montana.
Wildfire and earthquakes are notable
Powell County faces elevated wildfire risk (86.36) and moderate earthquake risk (59.48), while flood (15.78) and tornado (2.16) risks remain low. The county's forest terrain and mountain proximity create seasonal fire exposure alongside seismic vulnerability.
Wildfire and earthquake coverage important
Homeowners should ensure wildfire coverage is included in their policies and consider earthquake insurance given the county's seismic activity. Create defensible space around structures and secure homes for seismic resistance to address both primary hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Powell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Powell County
Risk Verdict
Powell County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 10th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 10th percentile, Powell 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 Powell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (16th percentile), tornado (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Powell County's primary hazard at the 86th percentile nationally. For Powell County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 59th percentile nationally means Powell County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Powell County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Montana county average, Powell County's composite score runs 23.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Powell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Powell County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Powell County?
How does Powell County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Powell County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Powell 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.