Chippewa County Disaster Risk
Chippewa County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% 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 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chippewa County, Minnesota
Chippewa ranks among America's safest counties
Chippewa County's composite risk score of 36.99 with a "Very Low" rating places it well below the national average, indicating lower-than-typical exposure to major natural disasters. This favorable position makes Chippewa one of the more resilient counties nationally.
Chippewa is Minnesota's safer side
Chippewa County scores 36.99, below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This relative safety is a meaningful advantage for residents and businesses in the region.
Chippewa stands out as region's safest county
Chippewa County (36.99) significantly underperforms compared to higher-risk neighbors Carlton (70.07) and Clay (73.66), making it the region's clear safety outlier. The county avoids the extreme flood and wildfire exposure that defines other parts of Minnesota.
Tornado risk is Chippewa's only moderate concern
Chippewa County's tornado risk of 43.42 is its highest hazard score, though it remains moderate in absolute terms. Flood and wildfire risks (46.34 and 34.67 respectively) are relatively low, indicating Chippewa residents face fewer multi-hazard pressures.
Standard insurance and basic preparedness suffice
Chippewa residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and a tornado safety plan, though the county's low overall risk profile means residents face fewer specialized insurance needs. Annual weather monitoring and a household emergency kit remain prudent precautions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chippewa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chippewa County
Risk Verdict
Chippewa County's overall natural disaster score at the 37th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Chippewa County can use the 37th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Chippewa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (35th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Chippewa County's top hazard at the 46th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary tornado exposure at the 43th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Chippewa County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Chippewa County's composite risk score sits 5.4 points below the Minnesota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Chippewa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chippewa County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Chippewa County?
How does Chippewa County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Chippewa County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Chippewa County a safe place to live?
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.