Missoula County hazard data

Missoula, MT Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative cold wave risk for Missoula County as very high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.565 per year for the area.

#1 of 2 covered Montana cities for cold wave risk β†’FEMA relative score 99.5/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Missoula's cold wave risk is very high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Missoula County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 1.565 per year for cold wave. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is very high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

1.565 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
117,719
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
99.5/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Missoula County.

FEMA NRI profile

Cold Wave

Very High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

99.5/100

FEMA annualized frequency
1.565 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$5M
Recorded events
25.274118089966088

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Missoula County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Cold wave risk in Missoula

For Missoula, FEMA rates cold wave risk for Missoula County as very high, with a relative score of 99.5/100. The next highest relative scores are wildfire at 95.5/100 and landslide at 95.2/100.

Using FEMA data for Missoula County, Missoula is #1 among 2 covered Montana entries for cold wave risk.

What to check for cold wave

  • βœ“Check the heating system, insulation, and pipe protection at the property.
  • βœ“Choose a safe backup heat source and install the required alarms.
  • βœ“Plan where the household can stay during a prolonged heat or power outage.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Missoula? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Missoula. All FEMA figures on this page cover Missoula County.

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City
Missoula, MT
FEMA data area
Missoula County
County FIPS
30063

Questions about disaster risk in Missoula

The FEMA figures cover Missoula County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much cold wave risk does Missoula, MT have?

FEMA rates relative cold wave risk for Missoula County as very high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 1.565 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Missoula rank for cold wave risk in Montana?

Among 2 Montana cities covered by this directory, Missoula is #1 for relative cold wave risk based on FEMA's score for Missoula County. Homes within Missoula can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Missoula?

In FEMA's data for Missoula County, the highest relative ratings are Cold Wave (Very High), Wildfire (Relatively Moderate), and Landslide (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Missoula or Missoula County?

The hazard numbers cover Missoula County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Missoula safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Missoula County an overall relative risk rating of relatively low. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Missoula do first for cold wave preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for cold wave or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

Tools

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.

View product
Anker PowerCore 10K

Power

Anker PowerCore 10K

Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

View product
ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Pets

ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit

Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.

View product

Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.