Morton County Disaster Risk
Morton County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morton County, North Dakota
Morton County faces elevated disaster exposure
Morton County's composite risk score of 49.59 earns a Relatively Low rating but represents the highest exposure among the counties reviewed. While still below high-risk thresholds, Morton faces notably greater multi-hazard challenges than typical U.S. counties.
Morton carries the highest state risk reviewed
At 49.59, Morton's score far exceeds North Dakota's average of 22.19—more than double—positioning it among the state's highest-risk counties. The Relatively Low rating reflects that even the state's most exposed areas remain manageable.
Riskiest county in central North Dakota
Morton's 49.59 score surpasses all nearby counties, including McLean (43.10), making it the region's most hazard-exposed location. It stands substantially above the northwestern counties of McHenry, McKenzie, and Mercer.
Tornado and flood risks are critical
Morton County's tornado risk soars to 57.35—the highest reviewed—while flood risk reaches 40.43, creating a dual threat. Wildfire risk is also elevated at 73.92, requiring comprehensive hazard awareness.
Build comprehensive disaster coverage now
Obtain separate flood insurance, ensure wind/tornado coverage is included in your homeowners policy, and verify wildfire protection. Invest in a well-stocked safe room and develop a family communication plan for rapid evacuations.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morton County
Risk Verdict
Morton County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Morton County's 50th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Morton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Morton County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. Morton County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 57th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Morton County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Morton County's composite risk score sits 27.4 points above the North Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Morton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morton County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Morton County?
How does Morton County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Morton County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Morton 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.