riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Foster County Disaster Risk

Foster County, North Dakota

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

7th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#38

of 53 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

3th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 1% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Foster County, North Dakota

Foster County enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 7.41, Foster County ranks as Very Low—substantially below the national average. This favorable profile reflects minimal exposure to the major natural hazards affecting most U.S. counties.

Well protected by North Dakota standards

Foster County's score of 7.41 sits far below the state average of 22.19, placing it among North Dakota's safest counties overall. Residents benefit from a remarkably stable natural hazard environment for long-term planning.

Safest county in northeast quadrant

Foster County's 7.41 score edges out Cavalier County (11.83) and Dickey County (15.84) nearby, making it the most stable community in northeastern North Dakota. This regional leadership in safety makes it particularly attractive for risk-conscious families.

Wildfire is your sole notable hazard

Wildfire risk at 48.38 is Foster County's only meaningful exposure; all other hazards score negligibly. Tornadoes (18.32), floods (3.18), and earthquakes (1.40) pose minimal threats to county residents.

Standard policy sufficient with vigilance

Foster County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Maintain wildfire awareness through the dry season—clear vegetation near your home and know your evacuation route—but otherwise focus on typical home maintenance and safety.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Foster County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    48th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    18th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    3th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Foster County

Risk Verdict

Foster County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 7th percentile nationally. The 7th percentile national ranking is one lens; Foster County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Foster County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Foster County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 48th percentile nationally. Foster 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 18th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Foster 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

The North Dakota county average exceeds Foster County's score by 14.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Foster County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Foster County, ND?
Foster County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 7th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Foster County?
Foster County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (48th percentile), tornado (18th percentile), flooding (3th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 48th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Foster County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Foster County's composite risk percentile is 7th, compared to the North Dakota state average of 22th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Foster County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in North Dakota.
Is Foster County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Foster County's wildfire risk is at the 48th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Foster County is at the 3th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Foster County a safe place to live?
Foster County's composite risk score of 7th percentile is below the North Dakota state average of 22th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 48th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Sargent County

North Dakota

+0.0

Very Low

7th percentile

Nelson County

North Dakota

+0.5

Very Low

8th percentile

Steele County

North Dakota

-0.8

Very Low

7th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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