Ramsey County Disaster Risk
Ramsey County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ramsey County, North Dakota
Ramsey County faces moderate national risk
Ramsey County's composite risk score of 18.32 sits below the national average, though it reflects more exposure than many western U.S. counties. The very low rating masks significant localized wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities.
Higher-risk county in North Dakota
Ramsey County ranks in the upper third statewide with an 18.32 composite score below but closer to the state average of 22.19. Several other ND counties face greater overall risk, but Ramsey's wildfire exposure is notably elevated.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Ramsey's 18.32 score exceeds Pierce (3.24), Oliver (1.72), and Pembina (20.93), positioning it as a moderate-risk county in the region. The county's 79.87 wildfire risk score is the highest among all northern ND neighbors.
Wildfires and tornadoes dominate risks
Wildfire risk scores an exceptionally high 79.87—the single largest hazard threat in Ramsey County. Tornado risk (27.16) ranks second, making severe weather a year-round concern for residents.
Wildfire and tornado coverage essential
Add explicit wildfire protection to your homeowners policy immediately; standard coverage excludes this peril. Tornado damage is typically covered under standard policies, but verify your deductible and replacement cost coverage given the county's 27.16 tornado risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ramsey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ramsey County
Risk Verdict
Ramsey County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 18th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 18th percentile national ranking is one lens; Ramsey County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ramsey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (10th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Ramsey County's primary hazard at the 80th percentile nationally. For Ramsey County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 27th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Ramsey County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
At 3.9 points from the North Dakota county mean, Ramsey County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Ramsey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ramsey County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Ramsey County?
How does Ramsey County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Ramsey County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ramsey 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.