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

Fillmore County Disaster Risk

Fillmore County, Minnesota

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

50th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#33

of 87 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

66th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 10% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Fillmore County, Minnesota

Fillmore moderately below national risk

Fillmore County's composite risk score of 49.78 with Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average moderately, indicating balanced but manageable natural disaster exposure. This profile reflects typical hazard exposure across the Upper Midwest.

Above Minnesota's average risk

At 49.78, Fillmore County ranks above Minnesota's 42.38 average, placing it in the moderate-risk tier statewide. Roughly half of Minnesota counties face comparable or greater disaster vulnerability.

Riskier than western neighbors

Fillmore's 49.78 exceeds Dodge County (14.22) dramatically, aligns with Cottonwood County (27.70) moderately, and slightly surpasses Faribault County (45.52). This variation reflects Fillmore's location in southeastern Minnesota's higher-risk zone.

Floods and tornadoes are major concerns

Fillmore County faces flood risk at 66.19 and tornado risk at 62.28—both well above state averages—making water and severe weather the primary hazards. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 10.81.

Flood and tornado insurance essential

Fillmore County residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado coverage, plus flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Elevation information and flood maps are available through your county emergency management office.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Fillmore County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    66th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    62th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    11th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Fillmore County

Risk Verdict

Fillmore County's FEMA risk score places it at the 50th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A 50th percentile score positions Fillmore County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Fillmore County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (11th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 66th percentile nationally for flood risk, Fillmore County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 62th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Fillmore County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.

Regional Context

The Minnesota county average is 7.4 composite points below Fillmore County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.

Is your household prepared for Fillmore 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 Fillmore County, MN?
Fillmore County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 50th 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 Fillmore County?
Fillmore County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (66th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 66th 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 Fillmore County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Fillmore County's composite risk percentile is 50th, compared to the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Fillmore County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Minnesota.
Is Fillmore County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Fillmore County's flooding risk is at the 66th percentile nationally. This is above the national median.
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 Fillmore County higher risk than average?
Fillmore County's composite risk score of 50th percentile is above the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (66th percentile), along with 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.