Pierce County Disaster Risk
Pierce County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
3th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pierce County, North Dakota
Pierce County ranks among safest nationwide
Pierce County's composite risk score of 3.24 is roughly one-seventh the national average, placing it among the safest U.S. counties. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to flooding, earthquakes, and other major hazards.
One of North Dakota's lowest-risk counties
Pierce County's 3.24 composite score ranks near the bottom statewide, well below the state average of 22.19. Only Oliver and Renville counties face less overall natural disaster risk in North Dakota.
Safer than all surrounding counties
Pierce County's 3.24 score is substantially lower than Pembina (20.93), Ramsey (18.32), and Ransom (13.20). The county enjoys notably lower exposure across flood, tornado, and earthquake hazards compared to neighboring areas.
Wildfire is the primary hazard
Wildfire risk at 56.49 dominates Pierce County's natural disaster profile, though this remains moderate by regional standards. Tornado risk (15.65) and flood risk (2.51) are significantly lower concerns.
Wildfire coverage is your priority
Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection, as standard coverage typically excludes this peril. Given the county's low flood and tornado exposure, basic liability and structure coverage should suffice for most homeowners.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pierce County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pierce County
Risk Verdict
Pierce County's overall natural disaster score at the 3th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 3th percentile nationally, Pierce County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pierce County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 16th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 56th percentile nationally, Pierce 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 Pierce County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 16th percentile nationally means Pierce County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Pierce County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Pierce County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Pierce County's composite risk score sits 18.9 points below the North Dakota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Pierce County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pierce County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Pierce County?
How does Pierce County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Pierce County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pierce 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.