riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Crow Wing County Disaster Risk

Crow Wing County, Minnesota

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

78th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#10

of 87 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

84th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 84% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

Crow Wing faces moderate national risk

With a composite risk score of 77.54 and a Relatively Low rating, Crow Wing County exceeds the national average significantly, placing it in the higher-risk category for natural disasters. This reflects the county's exposure to multiple weather-related hazards.

Well above Minnesota's risk average

Crow Wing's 77.54 score ranks it among the state's more hazard-prone counties, nearly double Minnesota's 42.38 average. Only a handful of Minnesota counties face comparable disaster risk levels.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Crow Wing's risk profile significantly exceeds neighbors Douglas County (44.34) and Faribault County (45.52), making it one of north-central Minnesota's higher-hazard areas. This elevated risk stems primarily from flood and wildfire exposure.

Floods and wildfires dominate threats

Flood risk scores a concerning 84.19 in Crow Wing, while wildfire risk reaches 76.14—both well above state averages. Tornado risk at 61.29 compounds the county's weather vulnerability and requires serious preparation.

Comprehensive insurance is critical

Homeowners in Crow Wing should carry full coverage including flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard policies exclude water damage. A wildfire defensible space plan around your home and ember-resistant vents are equally vital protections.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Crow Wing County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    84th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    76th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    61th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Crow Wing County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 78th, Crow Wing County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Crow Wing County residents should plan accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Crow Wing County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (61th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With flood risk ranking at the 84th percentile nationally, Crow Wing County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 76th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Crow Wing County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.

Regional Context

At 35.2 points above the Minnesota state average, Crow Wing County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Minnesota county.

Is your household prepared for Crow Wing County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Crow Wing County, MN?
Crow Wing County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Crow Wing County?
Crow Wing County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (84th percentile), wildfire (76th percentile), tornado (61th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 84th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Crow Wing County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Crow Wing County's composite risk percentile is 78th, compared to the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Crow Wing County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Minnesota.
Is Crow Wing County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Crow Wing County's flooding risk is at the 84th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Crow Wing County higher risk than average?
Crow Wing County's composite risk score of 78th percentile is above the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (84th percentile), along with wildfire and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.