North Dakota natural disaster risk
North Dakota ranks #3 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are winter weather, hail, ice storm.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in North Dakota's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cass County | 193,400 | 82.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Burleigh County | 100,600 | 85.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Grand Forks County | 72,923 | 57.7 | Relatively Low |
| Ward County | 68,973 | 64.8 | Relatively Low |
| Williams County | 39,555 | 53.7 | Relatively Low |
| Morton County | 33,777 | 49.6 | Relatively Low |
| Stark County | 33,302 | 37.3 | Very Low |
| Stutsman County | 21,549 | 46.4 | Relatively Low |
| Richland County | 16,584 | 35.3 | Very Low |
| McKenzie County | 14,321 | 25.0 | Very Low |
| Rolette County | 11,924 | 52.9 | Relatively Low |
| Ramsey County | 11,556 | 18.3 | Very Low |
| Barnes County | 10,773 | 45.9 | Relatively Low |
| Walsh County | 10,396 | 29.0 | Very Low |
| McLean County | 9,823 | 43.1 | Relatively Low |
| Mountrail County | 9,507 | 21.4 | Very Low |
| Mercer County | 8,337 | 13.9 | Very Low |
| Traill County | 7,970 | 11.0 | Very Low |
| Pembina County | 6,727 | 20.9 | Very Low |
| Bottineau County | 6,378 | 18.7 | Very Low |
| Benson County | 5,808 | 24.3 | Very Low |
| Ransom County | 5,643 | 13.2 | Very Low |
| McHenry County | 5,207 | 11.7 | Very Low |
| Dickey County | 4,935 | 15.8 | Very Low |
| LaMoure County | 4,118 | 10.9 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in North Dakota
- Stark County 37.3
- Stutsman County 46.4
- Morton County 49.6
- Williams County 53.7
- Grand Forks County 57.7
- Ward County 64.8
- Cass County 82.4
- Burleigh County 85.1
Cities in North Dakota
- Fargo, ND risk 80.1
Frequently asked questions
Is North Dakota safe from natural disasters?
North Dakota's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 55.7 out of 100 (about average for U.S. counties), #3 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in North Dakota?
The highest relative risks in North Dakota are winter weather, hail, ice storm (national percentile scores 94, 85, 85).
Where is the safest place to live in North Dakota?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Stark County, Stutsman County, Morton County.