Clearwater County Disaster Risk
Clearwater County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#84
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clearwater County, Minnesota
Clearwater is among America's safest counties
Clearwater County's composite risk score of just 4.17 with a "Very Low" rating places it among the nation's safest jurisdictions. This exceptionally low exposure to major natural disasters represents a significant advantage for residents and property owners.
Clearwater is Minnesota's lowest-risk county
Clearwater County scores 4.17, far below Minnesota's state average of 42.38 and well below all neighboring counties in the state. This exceptional safety profile makes Clearwater one of Minnesota's most disaster-resistant regions.
Clearwater stands alone as region's safest haven
Clearwater County (4.17) is dramatically safer than all regional peers, including Cook (11.23), Carlton (70.07), and Clay (73.66). The county's isolated northwestern location and minimal flood and tornado exposure create a uniquely protected environment.
Wildfire is Clearwater's only notable hazard
Clearwater County's wildfire risk of 65.52 stands in sharp contrast to its minimal flood (10.94) and tornado (17.27) risks, making fire the only significant concern. Even this wildfire score is substantially lower than the county's overall risk profile suggests.
Basic insurance and wildfire awareness suffice
Clearwater residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without requiring specialized flood or earthquake coverage, thanks to the county's exceptionally low composite risk. Maintaining defensible space around your property and a wildfire awareness plan address the county's primary natural hazard concern.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clearwater County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clearwater County
Risk Verdict
At the 4th percentile nationally, Clearwater County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 4th percentile nationally, Clearwater County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Clearwater County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clearwater County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Clearwater County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 17th percentile nationally means Clearwater County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Clearwater County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 38.2 points below the Minnesota state average puts Clearwater County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Clearwater County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clearwater County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Clearwater County?
How does Clearwater County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Clearwater County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clearwater 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.