Murray County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 20th
Murray County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 19.8, 20th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Murray County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 19.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 20th 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 Murray County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $804K in expected annual loss and about 10.98 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $172K in expected annual loss and about 21.79 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $702K in expected annual loss and about 5.06 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Murray 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 federal record bears this out: Murray County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 7 for flood events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2024.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Murray County ranks #69 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 10.98 / yr | $804K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 21.79 / yr | $172K |
| Hail | Medium | 5.06 / yr | $702K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.89 / yr | $99K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 12.47 / yr | $862K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.37 / yr | $291K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.69 / yr | $431K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $634 |
| Tornado | Low | 0.52 / yr | $837K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.93 / yr | $3M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.30 / 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
Murray County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Severe Storm (6), 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 |
| May 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, High Winds,Severe Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Murray County?
Murray County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 19.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 20th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Murray County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $804K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $172K EAL), Hail (Medium, $702K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Murray County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Murray County ranks #69 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Murray County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Murray County since 1969, most often 7 for flood events and 6 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. Murray County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.