Hettinger County Disaster Risk
Hettinger County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% 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
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hettinger County, North Dakota
Hettinger Scores Well Below Average
Hettinger County's composite risk score of 9.19 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county benefits from lower exposure to most major natural disaster hazards.
Among North Dakota's Lowest-Risk Counties
Hettinger County ranks among the state's safest with a composite score of 9.19, well below North Dakota's 22.19 average. The county's very low rating reflects its relative protection from multiple hazard types.
Part of the State's Safe Southwest
Hettinger County's 9.19 score places it in a cluster of low-risk southwestern counties including Golden Valley (13.07) and Grant (14.79). All three significantly outperform the state average and neighboring regions.
Wildfire and Tornado Top Concerns
Hettinger County faces wildfire risk at 55.41 and tornado risk at 25.45, with earthquake risk adding modest exposure at 22.39. Flood risk (9.67) remains the lowest hazard concern in the county.
Prepare for Wind and Wildfire Risks
Hettinger County residents should ensure their homeowners insurance covers both wildfire damage and severe wind/tornado events, given these county's elevated exposure to those hazards. Review your policy's wind and wildfire exclusions before renewal.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hettinger County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hettinger County
Risk Verdict
Hettinger County's overall natural disaster score at the 9th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Hettinger County residents can take confidence from a 9th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hettinger County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 55th percentile nationally, Hettinger County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Hettinger County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 25th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Hettinger County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Hettinger County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Hettinger County's composite risk score sits 13.0 points below the North Dakota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Hettinger County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hettinger County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Hettinger County?
How does Hettinger County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Hettinger County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hettinger 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.