Out of 13 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 13 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 14 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 1 |
Top 13 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gallatin | Montana | 3 | 1 | 2016 | 9/100 |
| 2 | Flathead | Montana | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 6/100 |
| 3 | Yellowstone | Montana | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 6/100 |
| 4 | Missoula | Montana | 2 | 0 | 2024 | 5/100 |
| 5 | Silver Bow | Montana | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 3/100 |
| 6 | Dawson | Montana | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 7/100 |
| 7 | Park | Montana | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 2/100 |
| 8 | Cascade | Montana | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Treasure | Montana | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 10 | Lake | Montana | 0 | 0 | — | 5/100 |
| 11 | Madison | Montana | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 12 | Sweet Grass | Montana | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 13 | Valley | Montana | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Montana based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.