Sheridan County Disaster Risk
Sheridan County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sheridan County, Montana
Sheridan ranks among safest counties
Sheridan County's composite risk score of 15.08 is exceptionally low, well below national averages, earning a Very Low rating. The county benefits from minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake exposure.
Montana's lowest-risk county
Sheridan scores 15.08 against Montana's average of 33.31, making it among the safest counties in the state by composite risk. All hazard categories fall below state norms.
Significantly safer than western peers
Sheridan (15.08) is far less exposed than Ravalli County (78.47), Sanders County (47.36), and Rosebud County (49.71). Its Very Low rating reflects the northeastern plains' relatively benign natural hazard profile.
Wildfire is only notable concern
Wildfire risk of 51.21 is Sheridan's primary exposure, though still moderate in isolation. All other hazards—flood (13.26), tornado (16.13), and earthquake (6.46)—rank substantially below state and national averages.
Standard insurance likely sufficient
Sheridan County's low hazard profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. If your home is in a wildland area, confirm wildfire coverage; otherwise, your existing policy likely covers major risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sheridan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sheridan County
Risk Verdict
Sheridan County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 15th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 15th percentile national ranking is one lens; Sheridan County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Sheridan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 16th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (13th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Sheridan County's primary hazard at the 51th percentile nationally. For Sheridan 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 16th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Sheridan 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, Sheridan County's composite score runs 18.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Sheridan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sheridan County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Sheridan County?
How does Sheridan County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Sheridan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sheridan 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.