Morrison County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 67th
Morrison County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 66.9, 67th national percentile), driven primarily by lightning and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $30M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Morrison County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 66.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 67th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 31.52 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $23M in expected annual loss and about 0.71 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $383K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $30M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Morrison County has a low 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 federal record bears this out: Morrison County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 for flood events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in July 2023.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Morrison County ranks #21 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Lightning | High | 31.52 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.71 / yr | $23M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $383K |
| Hail | Medium | 4.04 / yr | $826K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.55 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $3K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 12.89 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 9.21 / yr | $305K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.51 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.32 / yr | $57K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.84 / yr | $220K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.26 / yr | $30K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Morrison County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Severe Storm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| October 2000 | Fire | Mn - Carlos Edge Fire Complex - 10/19/2000 |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, High Winds,Severe Storms |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Morrison County?
Morrison County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 66.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 67th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Morrison County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Lightning (High, $1M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $23M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $383K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Morrison County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Morrison County ranks #21 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Morrison County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Morrison County since 1965, most often 7 for flood events and 2 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. Morrison County's $30M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.