Prairie County Disaster Risk
Prairie County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Prairie County, Montana
Prairie County represents exceptional safety
Prairie County's composite risk score of 4.23 ranks among the nation's safest communities, with Very Low natural disaster exposure overall. The county's hazard profile is roughly 8% of typical U.S. risk levels.
Montana's safest counties tier
Prairie County's score of 4.23 is dramatically below Montana's state average of 33.31—the county experiences roughly 87% less risk than typical state communities. It ranks as one of the most geographically stable counties in Montana.
Safest in its regional group
Prairie County's risk score of 4.23 is lower than all nearby counties, including Phillips (34.51), Musselshell (17.05), and Petroleum (1.30). The county's isolated eastern location and stable terrain create an exceptionally low-hazard environment.
Wildfire is the sole notable concern
Wildfire risk of 60.97 is Prairie County's primary hazard, while flood (5.79), tornado (8.71), and earthquake (5.34) risks all remain minimal. The county's grassland landscape creates seasonal fire potential despite overall very low disaster exposure.
Wildfire preparation and basic coverage
Ensure homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and maintain cleared defensible space around structures as your primary protection. Monitor fire season conditions and keep evacuation routes planned, as wildfire is your county's only meaningful natural hazard threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Prairie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Prairie County
Risk Verdict
Prairie County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 4th percentile nationally. Prairie County's 4th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Prairie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 9th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (6th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Prairie County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 61th percentile nationally. Prairie County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 9th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Prairie County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Montana county average exceeds Prairie County's score by 29.1 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Prairie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Prairie County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Prairie County?
How does Prairie County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Prairie County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Prairie 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.