Grand Forks County Disaster Risk
Grand Forks County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grand Forks County, North Dakota
Grand Forks Faces Above-Average Risk
Grand Forks County's composite risk score of 57.67 earns a Relatively Low rating, but it's substantially higher than the national average. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and severe weather.
North Dakota's Highest-Risk County
Grand Forks County ranks as the highest-risk county in North Dakota with a composite score of 57.67, more than double the state average of 22.19. This position reflects the county's vulnerability to flood, tornado, and wildfire hazards.
Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties
Grand Forks County's 57.67 risk score dwarfs neighboring Golden Valley (13.07) and Grant (14.79), making it a notable outlier in the region. The Red River valley geography that defines the county creates elevated flood exposure its neighbors don't share.
Flooding, Tornadoes, and Wildfire Threats
Grand Forks County faces triple hazard exposure: flood risk at 61.70, tornado risk at 60.66, and wildfire risk at 55.31. These overlapping vulnerabilities require comprehensive preparation and insurance planning year-round.
Multi-Hazard Insurance Essential Here
Grand Forks County residents must secure comprehensive coverage including flood insurance (often excluded from standard homeowners policies) and adequate protection against wind and tornado damage. Consider an umbrella policy to close gaps across your flood, wind, and wildfire exposures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grand Forks County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grand Forks County
Risk Verdict
Grand Forks County's FEMA risk score places it at the 58th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Grand Forks County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (55th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 62th percentile nationally for flood risk, Grand Forks County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 61th percentile nationally, means Grand Forks County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Grand Forks County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The North Dakota county average is 35.5 composite points below Grand Forks County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Grand Forks County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grand Forks County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Grand Forks County?
How does Grand Forks County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Grand Forks County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Grand Forks 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.