Ransom County Disaster Risk
Ransom County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
13th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ransom County, North Dakota
Ransom County faces low-moderate risk
Ransom County's composite risk score of 13.20 reflects lower exposure than the typical U.S. county, though more than counties in the far western plains. The very low rating belies notable wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities in this east-central region.
Lower-risk county for North Dakota
Ransom County ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide with a 13.20 composite score, well below the state average of 22.19. Its risk profile is more favorable than counties like Richland and Rolette.
Safer than Richland, riskier than Oliver
Ransom's 13.20 score exceeds Oliver (1.72) and Pierce (3.24) but falls below Richland (35.31) and Rolette (52.86). The county faces moderate wildfire (59.76) and tornado (24.08) exposure typical of east-central North Dakota.
Wildfires and tornadoes pose real threats
Wildfire risk at 59.76 is Ransom County's leading natural disaster concern, while tornado risk (24.08) ranks second. Flood risk (14.34) remains present but represents a lower overall threat to county residents.
Add wildfire and verify tornado coverage
Request wildfire protection as a rider or endorsement on your homeowners policy; most standard policies exclude this peril. Confirm that tornado and hail damage are covered under your policy's comprehensive protection, given the county's meaningful tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ransom County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ransom County
Risk Verdict
Ransom County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 13th percentile nationally. Even at the 13th percentile, Ransom County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ransom County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (14th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Ransom County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 60th percentile nationally. Ransom 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 24th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Ransom 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
The North Dakota county average exceeds Ransom County's score by 9.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Ransom County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ransom County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Ransom County?
How does Ransom County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Ransom County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ransom 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.