Pembina County Disaster Risk
Pembina County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pembina County, North Dakota
Pembina County faces moderate risk overall
Pembina County's composite risk score of 20.93 places it just below the North Dakota state average of 22.19, indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. While rated very low nationally, the county's risk profile is shaped by notable wildfire and flood vulnerabilities.
Middle-of-the-road risk for North Dakota
Pembina County ranks in the middle tier statewide, with a composite score nearly matching the state average of 22.19. Several other ND counties face higher overall risk, though Pembina's wildfire exposure stands out regionally.
Higher risk than Oliver but lower than Ramsey
Pembina's 20.93 score sits between Oliver County's 1.72 and Ramsey County's 18.32, reflecting a moderate position in the northern ND region. The county faces notably higher wildfire risk (63.87) than most immediate neighbors.
Wildfires and flooding top the list
Wildfire risk dominates at 63.87, while flood risk scores a concerning 28.69—double Oliver County's exposure. Tornado risk (21.28) rounds out the three primary hazards affecting Pembina County residents.
Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage
Wildfire exclusions are common in standard policies; verify coverage explicitly with your insurer and consider additional protection. Federal flood insurance through NFIP is essential given the county's 28.69 flood risk score, and a separate wildfire rider may be prudent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pembina County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pembina County
Risk Verdict
Pembina County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 21th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 21th percentile nationally is an advantage for Pembina County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pembina County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (21th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 64th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Pembina County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 29th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Pembina County residents.
Regional Context
Pembina County tracks the North Dakota county average closely, sitting 1.3 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within North Dakota.
Is your household prepared for Pembina County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pembina County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Pembina County?
How does Pembina County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Pembina County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pembina 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.