Minnesota natural disaster risk
Minnesota ranks #18 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are hail, strong wind, cold wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Minnesota's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin County | 1,269,496 | 98.3 | Relatively High |
| Ramsey County | 542,945 | 94.6 | Relatively High |
| Dakota County | 445,771 | 89.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Anoka County | 370,349 | 88.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Washington County | 276,238 | 83.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Louis County | 200,123 | 91.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Olmsted County | 164,498 | 82.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Stearns County | 160,865 | 87.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Scott County | 154,557 | 76.6 | Relatively Low |
| Wright County | 148,269 | 68.4 | Relatively Low |
| Carver County | 110,041 | 59.7 | Relatively Low |
| Sherburne County | 100,560 | 53.6 | Relatively Low |
| Blue Earth County | 69,871 | 72.2 | Relatively Low |
| Rice County | 67,917 | 75.4 | Relatively Low |
| Crow Wing County | 67,686 | 77.5 | Relatively Low |
| Clay County | 66,059 | 73.7 | Relatively Low |
| Otter Tail County | 60,475 | 79.4 | Relatively Low |
| Chisago County | 57,991 | 44.5 | Relatively Low |
| Winona County | 49,779 | 69.5 | Relatively Low |
| Goodhue County | 47,943 | 43.3 | Relatively Low |
| Beltrami County | 46,512 | 60.6 | Relatively Low |
| Itasca County | 45,275 | 76.7 | Relatively Low |
| Kandiyohi County | 44,079 | 51.4 | Relatively Low |
| Isanti County | 42,596 | 26.9 | Very Low |
| Benton County | 41,593 | 51.3 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Minnesota
- Dodge County 14.2
- Le Sueur County 22.8
- Isanti County 26.9
- Meeker County 27.0
- Mille Lacs County 28.5
- Hubbard County 35.2
- Steele County 37.2
- Becker County 37.4
Cities in Minnesota
- Minneapolis, MN risk 86.1
- Sioux Falls, SD risk 77.9
- Fargo, ND risk 80.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Minnesota safe from natural disasters?
Minnesota's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 76.7 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #18 of 51 from safest. About 32% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Minnesota?
The highest relative risks in Minnesota are hail, strong wind, cold wave (national percentile scores 87, 85, 84).
Where is the safest place to live in Minnesota?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Dodge County, Le Sueur County, Isanti County.