Dunn County, North Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ND
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Dunn County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 10.8, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Dunn County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 10.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th 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.
Most of Dunn County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.16 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $608K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $214K in expected annual loss and about 17.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dunn County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Dunn County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 6 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding (flood), declared in July 2023.
Among 53 North Dakota counties, Dunn County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 2.16 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $608K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.21 / yr | $214K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.61 / yr | $131K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 14.32 / yr | $991K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $1K |
| Drought | Very Low | 28.27 / yr | $18K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.44 / yr | $326K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.30 / yr | $152K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 29.75 / yr | $39K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $13K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Dunn County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Flood | Flooding |
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| November 2005 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and/Or Near Record Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dunn County?
Dunn County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 10.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dunn County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $608K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $214K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dunn County compare to other North Dakota counties?
Dunn County ranks #32 of 53 North Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dunn County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Dunn County since 1969, most often 6 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding, declared in July 2023.
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. Dunn County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.