Natural Disaster Risk in Musselshell County

Natural Hazard Profile: Musselshell County, Montana

Musselshell County is located in the United States in Montana, home to roughly 4,705 residents. The county experiences cold winters, dry summers, and extreme temperature swings, with rapid chinook wind events and spring flooding shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Musselshell County carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and cold wave.

Musselshell County's risk score, near the 4.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Musselshell County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, lightning, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Musselshell County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.