Mahnomen County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 7th
Mahnomen County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 7.1, 7th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Mahnomen County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 7.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 7th 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 Mahnomen County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $252K in expected annual loss and about 11.01 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $47K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $47K in expected annual loss and about 19.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Mahnomen County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Mahnomen County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 for flood events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in July 2023.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Mahnomen County ranks #79 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 11.01 / yr | $252K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $47K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 19.95 / yr | $47K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $1K |
| Hail | Low | 3.49 / yr | $149K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 18.90 / yr | $542K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.96 / yr | $161K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $190K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 28.74 / yr | $34K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $14K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $911K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $606 |
| 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
Mahnomen County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (8), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2022 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, High Winds,Severe Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Mahnomen County?
Mahnomen County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 7.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 7th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Mahnomen County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $252K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $47K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $47K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Mahnomen County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Mahnomen County ranks #79 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Mahnomen County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Mahnomen County since 1965, most often 8 for flood events and 8 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in July 2023.
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. Mahnomen County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.