Slope County Disaster Risk
Slope County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
1th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% 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 Slope County, North Dakota
Slope County: extraordinarily low risk
With a composite risk score of just 0.64, Slope County ranks among the safest places in the entire United States. Your community faces minimal exposure to the natural disasters that threaten most American counties.
ND's safest county overall
Slope County's 0.64 score is far below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, making it the state's most resilient community by a substantial margin. This exceptional safety reflects low exposure across nearly all major hazard categories.
Safest in an already-safe region
Slope's 0.64 score edges out neighboring Bowman County (6.63) and Hettinger County (17.06), establishing it as the region's clear safety leader. Even within one of North Dakota's lowest-risk areas, Slope stands apart.
Wildfire is your only notable hazard
Wildfire risk (38.04) is the only significant threat in Slope County, while flood (0.57), tornado (5.50), and earthquake (0.60) risks remain negligible. Even your highest risk category remains modest compared to state and national standards.
Basic coverage is sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection in Slope County given the county's minimal disaster exposure. Confirm your policy covers wildfire as a precaution, and maintain basic emergency preparedness for severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Slope County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Slope County
Risk Verdict
Slope County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 1th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 1th percentile nationally is an advantage for Slope County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Slope County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 38th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 6th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (1th percentile), flood (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Slope County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 38th percentile nationally. Slope 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 6th percentile nationally means Slope County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Slope 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 Slope County's score by 21.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Slope County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Slope County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Slope County?
How does Slope County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Slope County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Slope 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.