riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Toole County Disaster Risk

Toole County, Montana

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#37

of 56 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

18th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Toole County, Montana

Toole County faces low national risk

With a composite risk score of 13.01 and a Very Low rating, Toole County's natural disaster exposure ranks substantially below the U.S. average. Your county benefits from geographic and climatic factors that minimize exposure to major hazard types.

Below-average risk across Montana

Toole's composite score of 13.01 falls well short of Montana's 33.31 state average, positioning the county among the state's safer regions. This favorable standing reflects relatively modest exposure across flood, wildfire, and earthquake hazards compared to statewide peers.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Toole's 13.01 score sits between Wheatland County (3.50) and Teton County (19.02), making it a moderate-risk neighbor in the region. Your wildfire risk of 47.90 is lower than most adjacent counties, offering a relative advantage in fire season preparedness.

Wildfire leads minor hazards

Wildfire risk at 47.90 is your county's most significant exposure, though earthquake (29.87) and flood (17.78) risks remain well-controlled. Tornado risk is minimal at 3.85, meaning spring weather poses little concern compared to western Montana counties.

Ensure wildfire coverage exists

Review your homeowner's policy to confirm wildfire damage coverage is included, as this represents your primary natural disaster exposure. A basic property insurance review and modest defensible-space measures around your home provide strong protection for Toole County conditions.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Toole County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    48th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    30th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    18th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Toole County

Risk Verdict

Toole County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 13th percentile nationally. Toole County residents can take confidence from a 13th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Toole County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 48th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Toole County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 30th percentile nationally means Toole County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Toole County residents.

Regional Context

Toole County falls 20.3 points below Montana's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Toole County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Toole County, MT?
Toole County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 13th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Toole County?
Toole County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (48th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile), flooding (18th percentile), tornado (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 48th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Toole County risk compare to the Montana average?
Toole County's composite risk percentile is 13th, compared to the Montana state average of 33th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Toole County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Montana.
Is Toole County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Toole County's wildfire risk is at the 48th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Toole County is at the 18th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Toole County a safe place to live?
Toole County's composite risk score of 13th percentile is below the Montana state average of 33th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 48th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Wibaux County

Montana

-1.9

Very Low

11th percentile

Sheridan County

Montana

+2.1

Very Low

15th percentile

Powell County

Montana

-3.1

Very Low

10th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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