Chisago County Disaster Risk
Chisago County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chisago County, Minnesota
Chisago's risk sits near the national average
Chisago County scores 44.53 with a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it near the national average and indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile is shaped by tornado and wildfire threats rather than extreme flooding.
Chisago slightly exceeds Minnesota's average risk
With a composite score of 44.53, Chisago County ranks just above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, positioning it in the state's moderate-risk category. This modest elevation reflects tornado and wildfire vulnerabilities.
Chisago faces tornado risk above regional peers
Chisago County (44.53) sits between safer Chippewa (36.99) and riskier Carlton (70.07), but its tornado score of 64.15 significantly exceeds nearby Chippewa (43.42). This tornado spike distinguishes Chisago's hazard profile in the region.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate Chisago threats
Chisago County faces tornado risk of 64.15 and wildfire risk of 65.46, both substantial concerns that dwarf its moderate flood risk of 55.66. The combination of spring tornadoes and wildfire season creates two distinct annual hazard periods.
Tornado and wildfire preparedness essential for Chisago
Chisago homeowners should prioritize tornado safety infrastructure (shelter or safe room) and wildfire defensibility, as these two hazards dominate the county's risk profile. Verify homeowners insurance includes tornado coverage and consider wildfire-specific preparation measures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chisago County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chisago County
Risk Verdict
At the 45th percentile nationally, Chisago County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. A 45th percentile score positions Chisago County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Chisago County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Chisago County's primary hazard at the 65th percentile nationally. For Chisago County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 64th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Chisago County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
At 2.1 points from the Minnesota county mean, Chisago County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Chisago County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chisago County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Chisago County?
How does Chisago County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Chisago County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chisago 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.