Silver Bow County Disaster Risk
Silver Bow County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Silver Bow County, Montana
Silver Bow's risk near national average
Silver Bow County scores 38.04 on composite risk, slightly above national norms, with a Very Low rating. Earthquake risk of 87.40 is notably high, while wildfire risk of 80.73 presents a secondary concern.
Low-to-moderate risk within Montana
Silver Bow's 38.04 score slightly exceeds Montana's average of 33.31, placing it just above the state median. Earthquake exposure is the primary driver of this above-average ranking.
Highest earthquake risk in region
Silver Bow (38.04) faces substantially higher earthquake exposure (87.40) than neighboring Sanders County (67.91) and similar wildfire risk to regional peers. Its earthquake vulnerability is the most severe in the southwestern corridor.
Earthquake threatens structures most
Earthquake risk at 87.40 is Silver Bow's defining hazard, substantially exceeding all other exposures. Wildfire risk of 80.73 is also notable, while tornado and flood risks remain low.
Earthquake insurance is critical
Earthquake coverage is excluded from standard homeowners policies and must be purchased separately—this is essential in Silver Bow given its 87.40 exposure rating. Verify your home's seismic bracing and consider retrofitting for older structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Silver Bow County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Silver Bow County
Risk Verdict
Silver Bow County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. Even at the 38th percentile, Silver Bow County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Silver Bow County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Silver Bow County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Alongside earthquake exposure, Silver Bow County's wildfire risk at the 81th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Silver Bow County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
At just 4.7 composite points from the Montana average, Silver Bow County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Silver Bow County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Silver Bow County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Silver Bow County?
How does Silver Bow County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Silver Bow County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Silver Bow 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.