Renville County, North Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ND
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 2th
Renville County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 1.5, 2th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Renville County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 1.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 2nd 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 Renville County's expected losses come from winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $121K in expected annual loss and about 19.21 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 22.11 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $31K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Renville County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Renville County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 13 for flood events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in July 2022.
Among 53 North Dakota counties, Renville County ranks #50 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Low | 19.21 / yr | $121K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 22.11 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $31K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.53 / yr | $66K |
| Drought | Very Low | 26.60 / yr | $34K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.36 / yr | $98K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $73 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $104K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $65K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.63 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 26.23 / yr | $10K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $488K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Renville County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Flooding in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Flood (13), Severe Storm (8), 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 |
| July 2017 | Flood | Flooding |
| August 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| May 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| May 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Renville County?
Renville County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 1.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 2th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Renville County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Low, $121K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $31K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Renville County compare to other North Dakota counties?
Renville County ranks #50 of 53 North Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Renville County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Renville County since 1969, most often 13 for flood events and 8 for severe storm 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. Renville County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.