Cass County Disaster Risk
Cass County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Minnesota
Cass County carries moderate U.S. risk profile
Cass County's composite risk score of 53.53 with a "Relatively Low" rating indicates above-average exposure to natural hazards compared to the national baseline. The county faces meaningful threats across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and wildfire.
Cass ranks above Minnesota's average risk level
With a score of 53.53, Cass County exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the higher-risk tier for the state. This elevation reflects the county's northern geography and exposure to water-based hazards.
Cass balances risk with nearby Chisago County
Cass County (53.53) scores lower than Carlton (70.07) but higher than Chisago (44.53), positioning it as a mid-range risk county in the region. The county's unique hazard profile combines forest fire exposure with significant flood and tornado risk.
Floods and wildfires threaten Cass equally
Cass County faces nearly identical flood (63.17) and wildfire (63.20) risk scores, making both hazards equally pressing concerns for residents. Tornadoes add a secondary threat with a score of 42.91, requiring year-round disaster preparedness.
Dual flood and wildfire insurance critical for Cass
Cass homeowners should secure both flood insurance and wildfire coverage, as the county faces substantial risk from both hazards (63.17 and 63.20 respectively). Create a defensible space around your home and maintain an evacuation plan for wildfire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cass County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cass County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 54th, Cass County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (43th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 63th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Cass County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 63th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Cass County residents.
Regional Context
At 11.1 points above the Minnesota state average, Cass County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Minnesota county.
Is your household prepared for Cass County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cass County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Cass County?
How does Cass County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Cass County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cass 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.