Martin County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 45th
Martin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 45.5, 45th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Martin County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 45.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 45th 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.
Most of Martin County's expected losses come from winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $346K in expected annual loss and about 21.68 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.39 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 12.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Martin County has a medium 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Martin County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2024.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Martin County ranks #37 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 21.68 / yr | $346K |
| Hail | Medium | 4.39 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 12.25 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.54 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.05 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.57 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.57 / yr | $67K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.79 / yr | $229K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.61 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $340 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.68 / yr | $64K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| 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
Martin County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (4), 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 |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| October 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Martin County?
Martin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 45th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Martin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $346K EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Martin County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Martin County ranks #37 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Martin County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Martin County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 4 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. Martin County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.