Goodhue County Disaster Risk
Goodhue County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Goodhue County, Minnesota
Goodhue's risk sits just above average nationally
With a composite risk score of 43.32, Goodhue County ranks as relatively low risk overall—nearly matching the national baseline. This means residents face moderate natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, but not among the highest-risk areas.
Slightly above Minnesota's typical risk level
Goodhue's score of 43.32 edges above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the middle tier of Minnesota counties. The county sits well below Hennepin County's 98.31 score but above several rural neighbors.
More exposed than Houston County neighbors
Goodhue's 43.32 score is notably higher than Houston County (29.52) to the south and Grant County (2.99) to the west. However, it remains significantly less at-risk than nearby Itasca County (76.72), showing important variation across southeast Minnesota.
Tornadoes and flooding dominate local hazards
Tornadoes pose your greatest threat with a risk score of 70.67—well above the typical baseline for most counties. Flooding ranks second at 53.59, making spring storm season and heavy rainfall events the periods requiring heightened awareness and preparation.
Secure coverage for storms and water damage
Given tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should verify they have windstorm and hail coverage in standard policies, then consider separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Review your policy annually and maintain a home inventory to accelerate claims if severe weather strikes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Goodhue County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Goodhue County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 43th, Goodhue County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. At the 43th percentile nationally, Goodhue County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Goodhue County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (9th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 71th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Goodhue County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 54th percentile nationally means Goodhue County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Goodhue County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Goodhue County tracks the Minnesota county average closely, sitting 0.9 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Minnesota.
Is your household prepared for Goodhue County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Goodhue County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Goodhue County?
How does Goodhue County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Goodhue County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Goodhue County higher risk than average?
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.