Golden Valley County Disaster Risk
Golden Valley County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
13th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
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 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Golden Valley County, North Dakota
Golden Valley's Low Risk Nationally
Golden Valley County scores 13.07 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating well below the national average. This puts the county in a safer position than most U.S. counties when it comes to major natural disaster exposure.
Among North Dakota's Safest
With a composite risk score of 13.07, Golden Valley ranks as one of North Dakota's lowest-risk counties, significantly below the state average of 22.19. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across most hazard types.
Comparable to Similar Rural Counties
Golden Valley's risk profile is similar to nearby Grant and Hettinger counties, all scoring in the very low range. Neighboring Grand Forks County presents a starkly different picture, with a 57.67 composite score driven by higher flood and tornado risks.
Wildfire Dominates Golden Valley's Profile
Wildfire risk scores 49.20 in Golden Valley, making it the county's primary hazard concern by far. Tornado risk (13.17) and flood risk (3.15) remain minimal, reflecting the county's geographic advantages.
Focus on Wildfire Coverage First
Golden Valley residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with robust wildfire coverage, given the county's elevated wildfire risk relative to other hazards. Standard policies may have gaps; review your coverage to ensure you're protected against landscape fires.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Golden Valley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Golden Valley County
Risk Verdict
At the 13th percentile nationally, Golden Valley County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 13th percentile, Golden Valley County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Golden Valley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 13th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (4th percentile), flood (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Golden Valley County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Golden Valley County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 13th percentile nationally means Golden Valley County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Golden Valley County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.1 points below the North Dakota state average puts Golden Valley County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Golden Valley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Golden Valley County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Golden Valley County?
How does Golden Valley County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Golden Valley County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Golden Valley County a safe place to live?
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.