Jackson County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 22th
Jackson County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 22.4, 22th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Jackson County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 22.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 22nd 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 — $197K in expected annual loss and about 20.74 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $750K in expected annual loss and about 4.71 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $215K in expected annual loss and about 0.97 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jackson County has a very low 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: Jackson County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 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, Jackson County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 20.74 / yr | $197K |
| Hail | Low | 4.71 / yr | $750K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.97 / yr | $215K |
| Drought | Low | 8.78 / yr | $448K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 12.05 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.54 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $577 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.50 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $21K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.58 / yr | $154K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.44 / yr | $249K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.90 / yr | $80K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Jackson County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), 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 |
| September 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| May 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
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 Jackson County?
Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 22.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 22th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $197K EAL), Hail (Low, $750K EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $215K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jackson County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Jackson County ranks #66 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jackson County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Jackson County since 1965, most often 7 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. Jackson County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.