Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Minnesota
Brown: Low Risk, Below State Average
Brown County scores 50.38 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly above Minnesota's state average of 42.38. This southern Minnesota county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure compared to most state peers.
Below-Average Risk Statewide
Brown County ranks in the lower half of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with a 50.38 score that indicates relatively safe conditions. Its exposure level places it among the safer counties in Minnesota, though not in the very-low category.
Safer Than Nearby Blue Earth County
Brown County (50.38) faces notably lower risks than neighboring Blue Earth County (72.20), making it one of the safer areas in southern Minnesota. Compared to Benton County (51.34) to the north, Brown County is comparable in overall vulnerability.
Tornado and Flood Are Main Hazards
Brown County residents face moderate tornado risk (56.58) and flood exposure (44.47), both below state highs but still requiring preparedness. Wildfire risk is notably low at 24.08, making tornado and water-related events the county's primary natural disaster concerns.
Standard Coverage Plus Flood Protection
Brown County residents should obtain separate flood insurance given the county's 44.47 flood risk score, since standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Ensure your homeowners policy includes tornado and severe storm protection, and maintain a basic emergency kit for severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
Brown County ranks at the 50th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (24th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Brown County ranks at the 57th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Brown County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 44th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Brown County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Brown County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Minnesota counties, Brown County runs 8.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Brown County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brown 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.