McLean County Disaster Risk
McLean County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McLean County, North Dakota
McLean carries elevated but manageable risk
McLean County's composite score of 43.10 earns a Relatively Low rating—higher than most U.S. counties but still below the high-risk threshold. The county's exposure reflects meaningful hazard presence without reaching severe levels.
McLean ranks among higher-risk ND counties
At 43.10, McLean's score nearly doubles North Dakota's state average of 22.19, placing it in the upper half of state counties by risk. Still, the Relatively Low rating indicates the county remains well-managed and resilient.
Riskiest county in the immediate region
McLean's score of 43.10 exceeds all nearby counties including McHenry (11.74), McKenzie (25.03), and Mercer (13.87), making it the area's highest-risk location. Only Morton County (49.59) registers higher composite risk in the broader vicinity.
Tornado and flood risks dominate
Tornado risk reaches 45.55 in McLean—well above state typical exposure—and flood risk climbs to 33.11, creating dual concerns. Wildfire risk is also substantial at 76.97, while earthquake risk remains low.
Strengthen home against storms and floods
Confirm your policy covers both tornado/wind damage and flood risk; standard homeowners insurance excludes floods, so a separate policy may be needed. Reinforce your safe room, maintain gutters and drainage, and sign up for emergency alerts.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McLean County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McLean County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in McLean County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 43th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at McLean County's favorable 43th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is McLean County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 77th percentile nationally, McLean 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 McLean County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 46th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for McLean County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by McLean County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
McLean County is 20.9 composite risk points above the North Dakota average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for McLean County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McLean County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect McLean County?
How does McLean County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is McLean County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McLean 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.