Missoula, Montana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Missoula is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Missoula County.
Missoula is a city of 76,514 people in Missoula County, Montana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Missoula County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $56.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 271 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 2 tornadoes and 24 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Missoula County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Missoula
Full Missoula 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $19M | |
| Cold wave | $14M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Wildfire | $7M | |
| Avalanche | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $675K | |
| Lightning | $605K | |
| Winter weather | $331K | |
| Strong wind | $292K | |
| Landslide | $202K | |
| Tornado | $101K |
Homes in Missoula
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 Missoula County
Other cities in Montana
All ›Common questions about Missoula
Is Missoula safe from natural disasters?
Missoula is in Missoula County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Missoula?
By expected yearly losses in Missoula County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (High), earthquake (Moderate). Missoula County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Missoula get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 2 tornadoes in Missoula County since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on July 20, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Missoula?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Missoula County, about 0.5% 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.