Lincoln County

Montana — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

64.3

National percentile: 64th

Lincoln County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 64.3, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $16M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 20K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Wildfire
Medium $4M/yr
Avalanche
High $2M/yr
Landslide
Medium $49K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Wildfire Medium 0.01 / yr $4M
Avalanche High 0.13 / yr $2M
Landslide Medium 2.38 / yr $49K
Winter Weather High 36.31 / yr $211K
Cold Wave Medium 2.50 / yr $2M
Riverine Flood Low 0.61 / yr $7M
Earthquake Low 0.01 / yr $363K
Ice Storm Low 0.03 / yr $37K
Heat Wave Very Low 2.09 / yr $131K
Lightning Low 19.97 / yr $68K
Drought Very Low 28.52 / yr $440
Strong Wind Very Low 0.13 / yr $47K
Tornado Very Low 0.04 / yr $18K
Hail Very Low 0.18 / yr $6K
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lincoln County?

Lincoln County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 64.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Lincoln County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $4M EAL), Avalanche (High, $2M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $49K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Lincoln County compare to other Montana counties?

Lincoln County ranks #10 of 56 Montana counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

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. Lincoln County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.