Wibaux County, Montana Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MT
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Wibaux County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.1, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wibaux County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 11.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th 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 Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 13.26 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $39K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $52K in expected annual loss and about 18.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 937.
Beyond physical exposure, Wibaux 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: Wibaux County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 2000, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 56 Montana counties, Wibaux County ranks #38 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 13.26 / yr | $6M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $39K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 18.42 / yr | $52K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.33 / yr | $27K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.23 / yr | $93K |
| Drought | Very Low | 27.43 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.58 / yr | $31K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $68K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $23 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.43 / yr | $52K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $755K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 30.04 / yr | $16K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Wibaux County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Wibaux County?
Wibaux County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wibaux County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $39K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $52K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wibaux County compare to other Montana counties?
Wibaux County ranks #38 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wibaux County had?
FEMA records 5 federal disaster declarations for Wibaux County since 2000, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Wibaux County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.