Benton County Disaster Risk
Benton County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Benton County, Minnesota
Benton: Moderate Risk, Below State Average
Benton County scores 51.34 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly above Minnesota's 42.38 state average. This central Minnesota county experiences natural disaster exposure that's typical or slightly elevated compared to most state peers.
Mid-Range Risk Statewide
Benton County ranks near the middle of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with a 51.34 score that indicates moderate vulnerability. Its exposure level reflects a balance of multiple hazard types without exceptional concentration in any single area.
Comparable to Regional Counties
Benton County (51.34) sits between safer Becker County (37.40) and higher-risk Beltrami County (60.56), placing it in a typical vulnerability range for central-northern Minnesota. Compared to Aitkin County (56.58), Benton faces slightly lower overall exposure.
Tornado and Flood Are Equal Concerns
Benton County residents face similar risks from tornado activity (67.72) and flooding (61.67), both moderately elevated compared to the state. Wildfire exposure at 67.62 adds a third significant hazard, making multi-hazard preparedness important for households.
Balanced Insurance and Preparedness
Benton County residents should secure flood insurance in addition to standard homeowners coverage, given the county's 61.67 flood risk score. Ensure your policy includes tornado and severe storm protection, and develop a household emergency plan addressing all three primary hazard types.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Benton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Benton County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Benton County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 51th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Benton County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Benton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (62th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 68th percentile nationally, Benton County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 68th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Benton County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Benton County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Benton County is 9.0 composite risk points above the Minnesota average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Benton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Benton County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Benton County?
How does Benton County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Benton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Benton County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.