Natural Disaster Risk in Belcourt

Natural Hazard Profile: Belcourt, North Dakota

Belcourt, in Rolette County, is a town of roughly 5,865 residents situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its continental climate brings extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure, and in particular severe blizzards and spring flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Belcourt residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Belcourt carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Wildfire is the primary natural hazard, driven by dry seasonal conditions, fire-prone vegetation, and the wind patterns that can spread flames rapidly across the landscape. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and ice storm.

Within North Dakota, Belcourt's risk is, slightly above the 4.7/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Rolette County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Belcourt residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.