Natural Disaster Risk in Medora
North Dakota
Risk Summary for Medora
Medora scores 3.5/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Medora, North Dakota
Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Billings County, Medora is a small unincorporated community. The continental climate that characterizes this part of North Dakota — marked by extremely cold winters and short, warm summers with prairie wind exposure — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Medora a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Medora's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.5/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. Secondary hazards include tsunami and hail.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Medora's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 4.7/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by wildfire and tsunami, as measured by FEMA across Billings County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Medora is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers wildfire — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Medora: Wildfire preparedness
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
Local Factors for Medora
These city-level factors differentiate Medora from other communities in Billings County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
320
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 47.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.0/10
Coordinates
46.9584° N, 103.5294° W
Billings County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Medora
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Medora
Other cities in North Dakota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.