Sargent County Disaster Risk
Sargent County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
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
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% 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 Sargent County, North Dakota
Sargent ranks well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 7.44, Sargent County carries a "Very Low" overall disaster risk—far safer than the typical U.S. county. Your community faces significantly fewer natural hazards than the national average, making it one of the more resilient places to live in the region.
Among ND's safest counties
Sargent's score of 7.44 places it well below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, ranking among the state's lowest-risk counties. This advantage reflects limited exposure to the major hazards that threaten other parts of the state.
Safer than most nearby counties
Sargent's 7.44 score compares favorably to Steele County (6.65) to the east but remains safer than the state average. Neighboring Richland County faces notably higher risks, making Sargent a relative haven in its region.
Wildfire is your primary concern
Wildfire risk registers at 41.28 for Sargent County, making it your most significant hazard despite the county's overall low risk profile. Tornado risk (16.92) poses a secondary threat, though both remain well-controlled compared to other counties statewide.
Standard homeowners coverage works here
Because Sargent County's disaster risks are low, standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider confirming your policy covers wildfire damage and have an emergency plan in place for severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sargent County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sargent County
Risk Verdict
Sargent County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 7th percentile nationally. Sargent County residents can take confidence from a 7th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Sargent County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (3th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 41th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Sargent 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 17th percentile nationally means Sargent County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Sargent County residents.
Regional Context
Sargent County falls 14.7 points below North Dakota's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sargent County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sargent County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Sargent County?
How does Sargent County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Sargent County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sargent 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.