Dodge County Disaster Risk
Dodge County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
24th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% 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 3% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dodge County, Minnesota
Dodge ranks among safest U.S. counties
Dodge County's composite risk score of 14.22 and Very Low rating place it far below the national average, making it exceptionally safe from natural disasters. This exceptional resilience distinguishes Dodge as one of America's lowest-risk counties.
Minnesota's safest disaster zone
Dodge County's 14.22 score is Minnesota's lowest, well under one-third of the state average of 42.38. Few Minnesota residents enjoy this level of natural disaster protection.
Dramatically safer than all neighbors
Dodge's 14.22 stands far below Faribault County (45.52), Fillmore County (49.78), and Freeborn County (50.99), making it the safest county in southern Minnesota. This distinction reflects its unique geographic and climatic advantages.
Tornado risk remains worth noting
Even in very-safe Dodge County, tornado risk scores 43.45—the primary hazard residents should monitor. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal, making severe weather the only significant natural disaster concern.
Standard coverage provides strong protection
Basic homeowners insurance with a tornado rider offers sufficient protection in Dodge County for most residents. A weather radio and simple storm preparedness plan complete the essential safeguards in this exceptionally safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dodge County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dodge County
Risk Verdict
Dodge County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 14th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Dodge County's 14th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Dodge County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (4th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dodge County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 43th percentile nationally. In Dodge County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 24th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Dodge County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Dodge County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Dodge County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Minnesota county average, Dodge County's composite score runs 28.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Dodge County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dodge County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Dodge County?
How does Dodge County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Dodge County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dodge 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.