McCone County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 5th
McCone County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 5.2, 5th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates McCone County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 5.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 5th 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.
Most of McCone County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 13.68 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $379K in expected annual loss and about 1.92 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $48K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, McCone County has a low 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). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: McCone County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1986, including 3 for flood 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, McCone County ranks #46 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Low | 13.68 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 1.92 / yr | $379K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $48K |
| Drought | Very Low | 39.63 / yr | $22K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 19.26 / yr | $27K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.75 / yr | $229K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $149 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.74 / yr | $56K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $84K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 26.71 / yr | $20K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $870K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| 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
McCone County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1986, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in April 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Straight-Line Winds | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| August 2021 | Other | Straight-Line Winds |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| May 2019 | Flood | Flooding |
| July 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| December 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| October 1986 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for McCone County?
McCone County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 5.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 5th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in McCone County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Low, $2M EAL), Hail (Low, $379K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $48K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does McCone County compare to other Montana counties?
McCone County ranks #46 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has McCone County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for McCone County since 1986, most often 3 for flood 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. McCone County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.