Bozeman, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bozeman is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Gallatin County.
Bozeman is a city of 56,114 people in Gallatin County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Gallatin County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $65.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 233 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 4 tornadoes and 13 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Gallatin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bozeman
Full Gallatin County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $17M | |
| Inland flooding | $16M | |
| Cold wave | $14M | |
| Avalanche | $7M | |
| Winter weather | $4M | |
| Wildfire | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $605K | |
| Landslide | $352K | |
| Tornado | $259K | |
| Heat wave | $186K |
Homes in Bozeman
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 Gallatin County
Other cities in Montana
All ›Common questions about Bozeman
Is Bozeman safe from natural disasters?
Bozeman is in Gallatin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bozeman?
By expected yearly losses in Gallatin County, the top hazards are earthquake (Moderate), inland flooding (Low), cold wave (High). Gallatin County has been part of 7 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bozeman get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Gallatin County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on June 15, 1960. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Bozeman?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Gallatin County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.