Benton County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 51th
Benton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 51.3, 51th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $18M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Benton County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 51.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 51st 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $918K in expected annual loss and about 5.47 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.57 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $18M in expected annual loss for a population of 41K.
Beyond physical exposure, Benton County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Benton County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Benton County ranks #29 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 5.47 / yr | $918K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.57 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.22 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $156K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 12.42 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $10M |
| Drought | Low | 5.76 / yr | $263K |
| Lightning | Low | 32.70 / yr | $250K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.37 / yr | $330K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.89 / yr | $58K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.39 / yr | $64K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $238 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| 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
Benton County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, High Winds,Severe Storms |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| July 1978 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Hail & Tornadoes |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| August 1972 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Benton County?
Benton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 51.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 51th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Benton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $918K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Benton County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Benton County ranks #29 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Benton County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Benton County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Benton County's $18M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.