Ward County Disaster Risk
Ward County, North Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 53 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ward County, North Dakota
Ward County faces notably elevated risk
With a composite score of 64.76, Ward County ranks as Relatively Low but sits well above the national average, placing it in the higher-risk category for the region. This reflects its exposure to multiple serious hazards.
Ward County is North Dakota's riskiest
At 64.76, Ward County's composite risk score nearly triples the state average of 22.19, making it the highest-risk county in North Dakota. This significant elevation reflects the convergence of tornado, wildfire, and flood threats in the county.
Far riskier than surrounding counties
Ward County (64.76) faces substantially higher hazards than neighbors Traill (11.01), Walsh (29.01), and Wells (8.59). Only Williams County (53.66) approaches Ward's risk level in the region.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat
Tornado risk (66.13) is Ward County's most serious hazard, significantly exceeding state and regional norms. Wildfire risk (79.42) and flood risk (41.89) round out the top three concerns, creating a complex disaster landscape.
Build a comprehensive emergency plan
Ward County residents should invest in tornado shelter construction or safe room installation as a priority. Review homeowners and flood insurance policies annually, consider adding sump pumps and backup power systems, and practice family tornado drills every spring.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ward County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ward County
Risk Verdict
Ward County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Ward County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ward County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (42th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Ward County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 79th percentile nationally. Ward 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 66th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Ward 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
Ward County's composite risk score sits 42.6 points above the North Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Ward County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ward County, ND?
What types of natural hazards affect Ward County?
How does Ward County risk compare to the North Dakota average?
Is Ward County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ward County higher risk than average?
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.