Mower County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 67th
Mower County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 67.3, 67th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $27M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Mower County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 67.3 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 19.41 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.62 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.56 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 40K.
Beyond physical exposure, Mower 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: Mower County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2024.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Mower County ranks #19 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 19.41 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 4.62 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.56 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 19.37 / yr | $185K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.86 / yr | $16M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.72 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 10.16 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.63 / yr | $247K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.65 / yr | $44K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $193 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.60 / yr | $83K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $24K |
| 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
Mower County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (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 |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| October 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2001 | Flood | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Mower County?
Mower County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 67.3 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 Mower County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $4M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Mower County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Mower County ranks #19 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Mower County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Mower County since 1965, most often 6 for severe storm events and 4 for flood 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. Mower County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.