Wheatland County Disaster Risk
Wheatland County, Montana
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 56 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wheatland County, Montana
Wheatland County has minimal national risk
Wheatland County's composite risk score of 3.50 with a Very Low rating places it among the safest counties in the entire United States. Your natural disaster exposure across all major hazard types ranks far below the national average.
Among Montana's safest counties
At 3.50, Wheatland's composite risk is nearly 10 times lower than Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking the county among the state's least-exposed regions. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's geography and climate characteristics.
Safest in the surrounding area
Wheatland's 3.50 score is significantly lower than neighbors Toole (13.01), Valley (35.94), and Teton (19.02), making it the safest county in its region. Only Treasure County (0.51) offers lower risk exposure in central Montana.
Wildfire is sole notable hazard
Wildfire risk at 51.02 represents Wheatland's only meaningful natural disaster exposure, while flood (12.15), earthquake (24.27), and tornado (5.76) risks are minimal. Your prairie location provides protection against most major hazard types.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Your primary insurance concern should be confirming wildfire coverage within your homeowner's policy, which covers your main exposure. Standard property coverage for other hazards is generally sufficient given Wheatland's exceptional overall safety profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wheatland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wheatland County
Risk Verdict
Wheatland County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 3th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 3th percentile nationally is an advantage for Wheatland County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Wheatland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (12th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Wheatland County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 51th percentile nationally. Wheatland 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. A secondary earthquake exposure at the 24th percentile nationally means Wheatland County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Wheatland 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 Wheatland County's score by 29.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Wheatland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wheatland County, MT?
What types of natural hazards affect Wheatland County?
How does Wheatland County risk compare to the Montana average?
Is Wheatland County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Wheatland 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.