Richland County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 53th
Richland County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 52.7, 53th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Richland County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 52.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 53rd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 High risk — $17M in expected annual loss and about 15.21 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $324K in expected annual loss and about 18.95 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $85K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Richland County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Richland County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1997, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Straight-Line Winds (other), declared in August 2021.
Among 56 Montana counties, Richland County ranks #15 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 15.21 / yr | $17M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.95 / yr | $324K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $85K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.53 / yr | $413K |
| Hail | Low | 2.06 / yr | $297K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.12 / yr | $85K |
| Lightning | Low | 27.26 / yr | $199K |
| Drought | Low | 36.51 / yr | $45K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $561K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.63 / yr | $332K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.69 / yr | $204 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| 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
Richland County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1997, most recently Straight-Line Winds in August 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Other (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2021 | Other | Straight-Line Winds |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2014 | Flood | Ice Jams and Flooding |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| December 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| July 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms,Ice Jams, Snow Melt, Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Richland County?
Richland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 52.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 53th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Richland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $17M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $324K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $85K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Richland County compare to other Montana counties?
Richland County ranks #15 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Richland County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Richland County since 1997, most often 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Straight-Line Winds, declared in August 2021.
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. Richland County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.