Cottonwood County Disaster Risk
Cottonwood County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% 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 Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood ranks among safest counties
With a composite risk score of 27.70 and a Very Low rating, Cottonwood County sits well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This means residents face significantly fewer threats from major hazards compared to most American counties.
Far below Minnesota's disaster risk
Cottonwood's 27.70 score places it among the lowest-risk counties in Minnesota, substantially safer than the state average of 42.38. Few Minnesota counties enjoy this level of natural disaster resilience.
Safest county in its region
Cottonwood's very low risk stands out sharply against neighboring Faribault County (49.78) and Fillmore County (49.78), making it one of the most secure areas in southwestern Minnesota. This relative safety is a notable advantage for residents and businesses.
Tornadoes pose the primary threat
While Cottonwood's overall risk is very low, tornado risk scores 42.81—the county's highest hazard exposure. Wildfire risk is also present at 32.57, though neither threat compares to those faced by residents in riskier Minnesota counties.
Basic coverage protects your family
Even in low-risk Cottonwood, a homeowners insurance policy with tornado and severe weather riders is essential. Consider a safe room or storm shelter and a weather radio to prepare for the occasional severe storm.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cottonwood County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cottonwood County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Cottonwood County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 28th percentile. Even at the 28th percentile, Cottonwood County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cottonwood County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (31th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 43th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Cottonwood County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Cottonwood County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 33th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Cottonwood County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Cottonwood County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Cottonwood County is 14.7 composite risk points below the Minnesota state mean, meaning most other Minnesota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Cottonwood County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cottonwood County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Cottonwood County?
How does Cottonwood County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Cottonwood County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cottonwood 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.