Judith Basin County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Judith Basin County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 5.5, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Judith Basin County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 5.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $118K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 8.30 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $55K in expected annual loss and about 46.02 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Judith Basin County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Judith Basin County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (straight-line winds), declared in April 2026.
Among 56 Montana counties, Judith Basin County ranks #44 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $118K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 8.30 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 46.02 / yr | $55K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.01 / yr | $486 |
| Lightning | Low | 30.81 / yr | $136K |
| Drought | Very Low | 62.35 / yr | $21K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $67 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $27K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.24 / yr | $46K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $41K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $18K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Judith Basin County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in April 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Straight-Line Winds (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Straight-Line Winds | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| July 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 2000 | Fire | Wildfires |
| July 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms,Ice Jams, Snow Melt, Flooding |
| June 1975 | Flood | Rains, Showmelt, Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Judith Basin County?
Judith Basin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 5.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Judith Basin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $118K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $55K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Judith Basin County compare to other Montana counties?
Judith Basin County ranks #44 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Judith Basin County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Judith Basin County since 1975, most often 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, declared in April 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Judith Basin County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.