Redwood County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 35th
Redwood County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 35.1, 35th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Redwood County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 35.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 35th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $229K in expected annual loss and about 21.53 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $763K in expected annual loss and about 10.82 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $730K in expected annual loss and about 4.20 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Redwood 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: Redwood County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 11 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, Redwood County ranks #51 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 21.53 / yr | $229K |
| Drought | Medium | 10.82 / yr | $763K |
| Hail | Medium | 4.20 / yr | $730K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.84 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.53 / yr | $889K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.01 / yr | $767K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.52 / yr | $74K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $686 |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.86 / yr | $5M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.61 / yr | $857K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 36.44 / yr | $64K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| 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
Redwood County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (11), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | 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 |
| 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 |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| May 2011 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Redwood County?
Redwood County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 35.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 35th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Redwood County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $229K EAL), Drought (Medium, $763K EAL), Hail (Medium, $730K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Redwood County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Redwood County ranks #51 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Redwood County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Redwood County since 1965, most often 11 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. Redwood County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.