Koochiching County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 31th
Koochiching County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 31.5, 31th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and landslide 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 Koochiching County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 31.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 31st 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.
Most of Koochiching County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 18.16 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $6K in expected annual loss and about 0.43 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Koochiching County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Koochiching County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 7 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding (flood), declared in July 2022.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Koochiching County ranks #53 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 18.16 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.43 / yr | $6K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.25 / yr | $6M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.53 / yr | $47K |
| Hail | Low | 0.93 / yr | $174K |
| Drought | Low | 24.83 / yr | $67K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $172K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 27.12 / yr | $70K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.55 / yr | $52K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $20K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $708 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $822 |
| 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
Koochiching County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, 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 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| June 1996 | Flood | Flooding and Severe Storms |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Koochiching County?
Koochiching County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 31.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 31th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Koochiching County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Landslide (Low, $6K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $6M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Koochiching County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Koochiching County ranks #53 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Koochiching County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Koochiching County since 1970, most often 7 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, declared in July 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. Koochiching County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.