Emmons County Disaster Risk
Emmons County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Emmons County, North Dakota
Emmons County faces relatively low risk
With a composite risk score of 44.27, Emmons County ranks as Relatively Low—above the national average but moderate by U.S. standards. This profile reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards, particularly wildfire and tornado threats.
Highest risk in central North Dakota region
Emmons County's score of 44.27 sits well above the state average of 22.19, making it one of North Dakota's higher-risk counties. This elevated standing is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado exposure that residents should actively monitor.
Significantly riskier than nearby counties
Emmons County's 44.27 score substantially exceeds surrounding areas like Dunn County (10.78) and Foster County (7.41), creating a pronounced high-risk pocket in central North Dakota. This contrast underscores the county's unique hazard geography.
Wildfire and tornadoes dominate your threats
Wildfire risk reaches 93.16—Emmons County's most severe hazard—while tornadoes follow at 40.52, placing these two hazards far above typical exposures. Together they create the county's elevated composite risk profile and demand serious preparedness planning.
Enhanced coverage protects your investment
Emmons County's elevated risk profile warrants comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wildfire damage and tornado protection riders. Review your policy annually, maintain defensible space around your property year-round, and ensure your family has a practiced evacuation plan for fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Emmons County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Emmons County
Risk Verdict
At the 44th percentile nationally, Emmons County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. At the 44th percentile nationally, Emmons County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Emmons County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (31th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Emmons County's primary hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. For Emmons County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 41th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Emmons County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Emmons County falls 22.1 points above North Dakota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Emmons County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Emmons County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Emmons County?
How does Emmons County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Emmons County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Emmons 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.