Wadena County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 13th
Wadena County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 12.9, 13th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Wadena County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 12.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 13th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $115K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $96K in expected annual loss and about 17.12 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $254K in expected annual loss and about 12.27 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Wadena 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: Wadena County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 5 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2022.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Wadena County ranks #75 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $115K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.12 / yr | $96K |
| Drought | Low | 12.27 / yr | $254K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 14.64 / yr | $608K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $521 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.20 / yr | $345K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.24 / yr | $487K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.92 / yr | $101K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.44 / yr | $88K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.95 / yr | $48K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $938 |
| 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
Wadena County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| July 2010 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, High Winds,Severe Storms |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Wadena County?
Wadena County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 12.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 13th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wadena County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $115K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $96K EAL), Drought (Low, $254K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wadena County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Wadena County ranks #75 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wadena County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Wadena County since 1965, most often 5 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in August 2022.
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. Wadena County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.