Ravalli County Disaster Risk
Ravalli County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ravalli County, Montana
Ravalli's risk exceeds U.S. average
Ravalli County scores 78.47 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and earning a Relatively Low rating. The county's wildfire hazard dominates its profile, while earthquake risk remains substantial at 69.34.
Among Montana's higher-risk counties
Ravalli ranks significantly above Montana's average composite risk of 33.31, making it one of the state's more exposed counties. This elevation is driven primarily by extreme wildfire vulnerability rather than multihazard exposure.
Highest risk in southwestern cluster
Ravalli's score of 78.47 substantially exceeds neighboring Sanders County (47.36) and Silver Bow County (38.04). Its wildfire risk of 98.89 is among the most severe in this region, reflecting the county's forested terrain and climate.
Wildfire is your dominant threat
Wildfire risk stands at 98.89—an extreme exposure that dwarfs other hazards and reflects Ravalli's position in Montana's wildland-urban interface. Earthquake risk at 69.34 poses a secondary concern, while tornado risk remains minimal at 9.10.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Homeowners should verify that their policies include wildfire damage and ensure adequate replacement-cost coverage given seismic risk. Consider defensible space maintenance and a home hardening assessment as critical first steps beyond insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ravalli County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ravalli County
Risk Verdict
Ravalli County ranks at the 78th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ravalli County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ravalli County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Ravalli County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 69th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Ravalli 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, Ravalli County runs 45.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Ravalli County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ravalli County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Ravalli County?
How does Ravalli County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Ravalli County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ravalli 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.