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

McIntosh County Disaster Risk

McIntosh County, North Dakota

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

35th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#15

of 53 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

11th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in McIntosh County, North Dakota

McIntosh sits below national disaster risk

McIntosh County's composite risk score of 35.21 puts it in the Very Low category, indicating substantially safer conditions than the typical U.S. county. While higher than its northwestern neighbors, McIntosh remains well-protected from severe multi-hazard exposure.

McIntosh ranks mid-tier for North Dakota

With a score of 35.21 versus North Dakota's state average of 22.19, McIntosh carries above-average risk for the state but still earns a Very Low rating. It ranks in the middle band of North Dakota counties when sorted by composite risk.

Higher risk than nearby McHenry County

McIntosh's score of 35.21 exceeds McHenry County (11.74) and Mercer County (13.87), but falls below McLean County (43.10) in the region. This positions McIntosh as moderately exposed compared to its immediate neighbors.

Wildfire dominates; tornadoes secondary

Wildfire risk reaches 70.77 in McIntosh, representing the county's most significant hazard by a wide margin. Tornado risk is substantially lower at 25.57, while flood and earthquake threats remain minimal.

Focus on wildfire and emergency plans

Ensure your homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and create a family evacuation plan given the county's high fire exposure. Keep emergency supplies accessible and stay informed through local emergency alerts during fire season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in McIntosh County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    71th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    26th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    11th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: McIntosh County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in McIntosh County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 35th percentile. The 35th percentile national ranking is one lens; McIntosh County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is McIntosh County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 71th percentile nationally for wildfire, McIntosh County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary tornado exposure at the 26th percentile nationally means McIntosh County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources McIntosh County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

A composite score 13.0 points above the North Dakota state average puts McIntosh County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for McIntosh 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 McIntosh County, ND?
McIntosh County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 35th 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 McIntosh County?
McIntosh County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (71th percentile), tornado (26th percentile), flooding (11th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 71th 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 McIntosh County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
McIntosh County's composite risk percentile is 35th, compared to the North Dakota state average of 22th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means McIntosh County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in North Dakota.
Is McIntosh County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, McIntosh County's wildfire risk is at the 71th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, McIntosh County is at the 11th 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.
Why is McIntosh County higher risk than average?
McIntosh County's composite risk score of 35th percentile is above the North Dakota state average of 22th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by wildfire exposure (71th percentile). Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.