Fillmore County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 50th
Fillmore County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 49.8, 50th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Fillmore County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 49.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 50th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $29K in expected annual loss and about 0.38 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $12M in expected annual loss and about 1.39 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 9.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fillmore 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: Fillmore County has received 18 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, Fillmore County ranks #33 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.38 / yr | $29K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.39 / yr | $12M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 9.95 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.56 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 4.45 / yr | $383K |
| Drought | Low | 10.99 / yr | $125K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 19.42 / yr | $52K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.58 / yr | $198K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.68 / yr | $40K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.56 / yr | $281K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.08 / yr | $70K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| 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
Fillmore County has received 18 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 |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| November 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fillmore County?
Fillmore County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 49.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 50th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Fillmore County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $29K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $12M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fillmore County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Fillmore County ranks #33 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fillmore County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Fillmore 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. Fillmore County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.