Stark County, North Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ND
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Stark County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.3, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Stark County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 37.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th 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 Stark County's expected losses come from winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Very High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 17.74 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.42 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 12.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Stark 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 federal record bears this out: Stark County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 7 for flood events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 53 North Dakota counties, Stark County ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Very High | 17.74 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.42 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 12.79 / yr | $5M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.50 / yr | $397K |
| Lightning | Medium | 31.43 / yr | $517K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $76K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.42 / yr | $758K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.28 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Very Low | 18.56 / yr | $23K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.05 / yr | $103K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $103 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| 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
Stark County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Severe Storm (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| July 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Ground Saturation |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding,Severe Winter Storms, Snowmelt, Spring Rains |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Blizzard Conditions |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Stark County?
Stark County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Stark County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Very High, $1M EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Stark County compare to other North Dakota counties?
Stark County ranks #13 of 53 North Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Stark County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Stark County since 1966, most often 7 for flood events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Stark County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.