Renville County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 38th
Renville County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.5, 38th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Renville County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 38th 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $878K in expected annual loss and about 8.92 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $189K in expected annual loss and about 20.79 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Renville 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: Renville County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 12 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, Renville County ranks #45 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 8.92 / yr | $878K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 20.79 / yr | $189K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.42 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 4.85 / yr | $727K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.84 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.37 / yr | $528K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.74 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.48 / yr | $82K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $1K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 35.60 / yr | $51K |
| 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
Renville County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (12), Severe Storm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Renville County?
Renville County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 38th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Renville County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $878K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $189K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Renville County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Renville County ranks #45 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Renville County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Renville County since 1965, most often 12 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. Renville County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.