Cottonwood County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 28th
Cottonwood County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.7, 28th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Cottonwood County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 27.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 28th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $182K in expected annual loss and about 21.74 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $669K in expected annual loss and about 4.49 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 12.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cottonwood County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Cottonwood County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2024.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Cottonwood County ranks #57 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 21.74 / yr | $182K |
| Hail | Medium | 4.49 / yr | $669K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 12.37 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 10.28 / yr | $395K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.79 / yr | $95K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.32 / yr | $582K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.68 / yr | $303K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.46 / yr | $916K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $494 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.61 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.22 / yr | $29K |
| 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
Cottonwood County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Cottonwood County?
Cottonwood County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 28th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cottonwood County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $182K EAL), Hail (Medium, $669K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cottonwood County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Cottonwood County ranks #57 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cottonwood County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Cottonwood County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in June 2024.
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. Cottonwood County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.