Liberty County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Liberty County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.3, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Liberty County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.3 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 10.32 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $47K in expected annual loss and about 20.68 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $53K in expected annual loss and about 63.74 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Liberty County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Liberty County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1986, including 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 56 Montana counties, Liberty County ranks #43 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Low | 10.32 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 20.68 / yr | $47K |
| Drought | Low | 63.74 / yr | $53K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.62 / yr | $33K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.16 / yr | $11K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $16 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 20.80 / yr | $11K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.62 / yr | $17K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Liberty County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1986, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2018 | Flood | Flooding |
| May 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| July 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2000 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Ice Jams, Soil Saturation |
| March 1986 | Flood | Heavy Rains, Landslides & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Liberty County?
Liberty County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.3 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 Liberty County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $47K EAL), Drought (Low, $53K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Liberty County compare to other Montana counties?
Liberty County ranks #43 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Liberty County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Liberty County since 1986, most often 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
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. Liberty County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.