McHenry County Disaster Risk
McHenry County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McHenry County, North Dakota
McHenry ranks well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 11.74, McHenry County sits in the Very Low category—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. The county's overall risk profile is well below the national average, making it one of North Dakota's most resilient communities when it comes to natural disaster exposure.
McHenry is among ND's safest counties
McHenry's score of 11.74 places it well below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, ranking it among the lowest-risk counties in the state. This strong position reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most disaster types.
Safer than neighboring counties
McHenry's risk score of 11.74 beats nearby Mountrail County (21.37) and McKenzie County (25.03), making it one of the safest areas in northwestern North Dakota. Only Nelson County (7.92) edges out McHenry in overall resilience across the region.
Wildfire poses the greatest threat
Wildfire risk reaches 87.44 in McHenry County—the county's dominant hazard concern by far. Tornado risk is much lower at 27.61, and flood and earthquake risks remain minimal, making preparedness focused on wildland fire most important.
Prioritize wildfire coverage and prep
Given McHenry's elevated wildfire exposure, ensure your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and consider defensible space around your property. Review your coverage annually and maintain emergency supplies in case of rapid evacuation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McHenry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McHenry County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, McHenry County ranks at the 12th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 12th percentile nationally, McHenry 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 McHenry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (11th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McHenry County sits at the 87th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for McHenry County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 28th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In McHenry County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 10.5 points below the North Dakota state average, McHenry County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for McHenry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McHenry County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect McHenry County?
How does McHenry County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is McHenry County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is McHenry 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.