Williams County, North Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ND
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 54th
Williams County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 53.7, 54th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Williams County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 53.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 54th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Williams 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 16.37 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 18.68 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $929K in expected annual loss and about 0.49 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 41K.
Beyond physical exposure, Williams County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Williams County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 7 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds (fire), declared in December 2024.
Among 53 North Dakota counties, Williams County ranks #6 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Very High | 16.37 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | High | 18.68 / yr | $11M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.49 / yr | $929K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $447K |
| Hail | Low | 1.62 / yr | $893K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.30 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.07 / yr | $600K |
| Lightning | Low | 26.40 / yr | $234K |
| Drought | Low | 28.60 / yr | $93K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $728 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $94K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $33K |
| 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
Williams County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds in December 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | Fire | Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds |
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| September 2021 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| May 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| May 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| March 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2004 | Snowstorm | Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Williams County?
Williams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 53.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 54th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Williams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Very High, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $11M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $929K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Williams County compare to other North Dakota counties?
Williams County ranks #6 of 53 North Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Williams County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Williams County since 1969, most often 7 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds, declared in December 2024.
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. Williams County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.