Bismarck, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bismarck is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Burleigh County.
Bismarck is a city of 75,556 people in Burleigh County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Burleigh County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hail, with about $71.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 687 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 57 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 1.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Burleigh County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bismarck
Full Burleigh County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Cold wave | $20M | |
| Hail | $15M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Winter weather | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $827K | |
| Heat wave | $552K | |
| Lightning | $320K | |
| Earthquake | $37K | |
| Drought | $13K |
Homes in Bismarck
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Burleigh County
Other cities in North Dakota
All ›Common questions about Bismarck
Is Bismarck safe from natural disasters?
Bismarck is in Burleigh County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bismarck?
By expected yearly losses in Burleigh County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), hail (High). Burleigh County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bismarck get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 57 tornadoes in Burleigh County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on July 1, 1952. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Bismarck?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Burleigh County, about 1.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.