Kalispell, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Kalispell is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Flathead County.
Kalispell is a city of 28,504 people in Flathead County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Flathead County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and cold wave, with about $75.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 207 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 4 tornadoes and 18 floods. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Flathead County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Kalispell
Full Flathead 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $21M | |
| Cold wave | $14M | |
| Avalanche | $9M | |
| Wildfire | $5M | |
| Winter weather | $725K | |
| Heat wave | $632K | |
| Landslide | $417K | |
| Lightning | $392K | |
| Ice storm | $264K | |
| Strong wind | $146K | |
| Hail | $96K |
Homes in Kalispell
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 Flathead County
Other cities in Montana
All ›Common questions about Kalispell
Is Kalispell safe from natural disasters?
Kalispell is in Flathead County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, 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 Kalispell?
By expected yearly losses in Flathead County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), cold wave (High). Flathead County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Kalispell get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Flathead County since 1950; the strongest was an EF0 tornado on July 18, 2007 near Bigfork. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Kalispell?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Flathead County, about 0.8% 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.