Oliver County Disaster Risk
Oliver County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
2th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oliver County, North Dakota
Oliver County's risk ranks very low
With a composite risk score of 1.72, Oliver County faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This very low rating reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard types, though wildfire and tornado risks merit monitoring in this region.
Among North Dakota's safest counties
Oliver County ranks in the lowest tier statewide with a composite score well below North Dakota's 22.19 county average. Only a handful of ND counties face less overall natural disaster risk.
Safer than surrounding areas
Oliver County's 1.72 composite score is substantially lower than nearby Pierce County (3.24) and Ransom County (13.20). The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure compared to eastern neighbors in the Red River Valley region.
Wildfire is your primary concern
Wildfire risk scores 44.47—the highest hazard facing Oliver County—though this remains moderate in regional context. Tornado risk (11.74) and flood risk (6.52) rank considerably lower but shouldn't be overlooked during severe weather seasons.
Cover wildfire and severe weather
Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado damage but often excludes wildfire loss. Review your policy to ensure wildfire coverage is included, and consider additional protection for fire-prone areas; standard flood insurance remains advisable even with low current risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oliver County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oliver County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Oliver County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 2th percentile. A 2th percentile score positions Oliver County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Oliver County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 12th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (7th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 44th percentile nationally for wildfire, Oliver 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 12th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Oliver County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Oliver County is 20.5 composite risk points below the North Dakota state mean, meaning most other North Dakota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Oliver County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oliver County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Oliver County?
How does Oliver County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Oliver County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Oliver 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.