Sheridan County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Sheridan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.1, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sheridan County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th 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 Sheridan County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 20.95 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $151K in expected annual loss and about 18.21 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $43K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sheridan County has a medium 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: Sheridan County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2000, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 56 Montana counties, Sheridan County ranks #36 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 20.95 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.21 / yr | $151K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $43K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.18 / yr | $62K |
| Drought | Low | 27.10 / yr | $43K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.33 / yr | $67K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.01 / yr | $134K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $72 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.89 / yr | $37K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $135K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.50 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 25.43 / yr | $24K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Sheridan County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most recently Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | 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 |
| December 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sheridan County?
Sheridan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sheridan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $151K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $43K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sheridan County compare to other Montana counties?
Sheridan County ranks #36 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sheridan County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Sheridan County since 2000, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding, declared in August 2023.
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. Sheridan County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.