Billings, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Billings is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Yellowstone County.
Billings is a city of 119,434 people in Yellowstone County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Yellowstone County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and wildfire, with about $60.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 942 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 21 tornadoes and 37 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Yellowstone County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Billings
Full Yellowstone County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $29M | |
| Cold wave | $19M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $865K | |
| Tornado | $560K | |
| Drought | $51K | |
| Ice storm | $47K |
Homes in Billings
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Yellowstone County
Other cities in Montana
All ›Common questions about Billings
Is Billings safe from natural disasters?
Billings is in Yellowstone County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, wildfire. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Billings?
By expected yearly losses in Yellowstone County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), wildfire (Moderate). Yellowstone County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Billings get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 21 tornadoes in Yellowstone County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on June 20, 2010 near Billings. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Billings?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Yellowstone County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.