Kanabec County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Kanabec County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.3, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kanabec County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 21.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 11.27 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $119K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $304K in expected annual loss and about 4.07 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kanabec County has a 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: Kanabec County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 5 for flood events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2022.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Kanabec County ranks #67 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.27 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $119K |
| Hail | Low | 4.07 / yr | $304K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $781 |
| Lightning | Low | 32.21 / yr | $185K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.21 / yr | $874K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Low | 7.40 / yr | $41K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.78 / yr | $300K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.00 / yr | $124K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.41 / yr | $26K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 17.21 / yr | $18K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Kanabec County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2022. Most frequent causes: Flood (5), Severe Storm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| August 1972 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| April 1969 | Flood | Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kanabec County?
Kanabec County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kanabec County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $119K EAL), Hail (Low, $304K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kanabec County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Kanabec County ranks #67 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kanabec County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Kanabec County since 1965, most often 5 for flood events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in August 2022.
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. Kanabec County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.