Barnes County Disaster Risk
Barnes County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barnes County, North Dakota
Barnes County faces above-average risk
Barnes County scores 45.90 on the composite risk scale, making it Relatively Low but well above the national average for disaster exposure. This score reflects multiple significant hazards converging in this region, warranting greater preparedness than typical counties.
Notably riskier than most North Dakota counties
With a composite score of 45.90, Barnes County ranks among the highest-risk counties in North Dakota, significantly exceeding the state average of 22.19. Residents experience roughly double the multi-hazard exposure of a typical North Dakota county.
Highest risk in this subregion
Barnes County's 45.90 score is substantially higher than neighboring Benson County (24.27) and far exceeds the safest counties in the state like Bowman (2.10) and Burke (1.05). This county faces notably greater compound disaster risks than its immediate surroundings.
Flood and wildfire threats compound
Flooding (41.28) and wildfire (65.43) are Barnes County's dominant hazards, each exceeding state averages and creating overlapping seasonal risks. Tornado risk (41.76) adds a third significant threat, making spring through fall a particularly active hazard season.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Barnes County residents should prioritize flood insurance (41.28 risk) and wildfire protection in their homeowner policies, given the county's above-average exposure. Consider a separate flood policy to ensure adequate protection, especially if your property is near waterways or in drainage areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barnes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barnes County
Risk Verdict
Barnes County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Residents of Barnes County can use the 46th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Barnes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Barnes County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 65th percentile nationally. Barnes County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 42th percentile nationally means Barnes County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Barnes County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Barnes County's composite risk score sits 23.7 points above the North Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Barnes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barnes County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Barnes County?
How does Barnes County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Barnes County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Barnes County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.