Adams County, North Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ND
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 5th
Adams County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 4.5, 5th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Adams County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 4.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 5th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $634K in expected annual loss and about 2.54 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $74K in expected annual loss and about 17.68 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $906K in expected annual loss and about 11.68 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Adams County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Adams County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in July 2022.
Among 53 North Dakota counties, Adams County ranks #43 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 2.54 / yr | $634K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.68 / yr | $74K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 11.68 / yr | $906K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $32K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.51 / yr | $33K |
| Drought | Very Low | 33.25 / yr | $11K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.78 / yr | $74K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $73K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.16 / yr | $10K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $13 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 31.89 / yr | $18K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $321K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Adams County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Flooding in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Flooding |
| October 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, & Ground Saturation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Adams County?
Adams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 4.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 5th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Adams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $634K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $74K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $906K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Adams County compare to other North Dakota counties?
Adams County ranks #43 of 53 North Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Adams County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Adams County since 1978, most often 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Flooding, declared in July 2022.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Adams County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.