Carlton County Disaster Risk
Carlton County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carlton County, Minnesota
Carlton ranks in middle for U.S. disaster risk
Carlton County's composite risk score of 70.07 places it above the national average, reflecting elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. While the county's "Relatively Low" rating suggests manageable overall risk, residents face more frequent threats than the typical American community.
Carlton's risk is well above Minnesota average
With a score of 70.07, Carlton County ranks significantly higher than Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it among the state's riskier counties. This elevation reflects the county's geographic vulnerability to flooding and wildfire.
Carlton faces higher risks than nearby counties
Carlton County's score of 70.07 exceeds neighboring Cass County (53.53) and Chisago County (44.53), making it the most exposed in its immediate region. The difference is driven primarily by Carlton's flood and wildfire vulnerabilities.
Flooding and wildfire dominate Carlton's threats
Flood risk scores 63.96 in Carlton, while wildfire risk reaches 41.00—both substantial concerns for residents and property owners. Tornadoes present a moderate threat with a score of 33.52, meaning Carlton residents should prepare for multiple seasonal hazards.
Flood insurance is essential for Carlton homeowners
Given Carlton's elevated flood risk of 63.96, homeowners should verify flood insurance coverage regardless of mortgage lender requirements—standard home policies do not cover flood damage. Consider also reviewing wildfire preparedness measures and having an emergency plan for severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carlton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carlton County
Risk Verdict
Carlton County's FEMA risk score places it at the 70th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Carlton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (34th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 64th percentile nationally for flood risk, Carlton County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 41th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Carlton County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Minnesota county average is 27.7 composite points below Carlton County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Carlton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carlton County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Carlton County?
How does Carlton County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Carlton County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carlton 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.