Houston County Disaster Risk
Houston County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
46th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% 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
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Houston County, Minnesota
Houston County rates well below national average
With a composite risk score of 29.52, Houston County ranks as very low risk—substantially below the national average—placing residents in one of America's safer disaster zones. This favorable position reflects the county's southeastern location and limited exposure to extreme hazards.
Well-protected compared to Minnesota average
Houston County's 29.52 score sits notably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, ranking among the safer Minnesota counties. Residents experience significantly reduced natural disaster risk compared to state peers, particularly urban centers like Hennepin.
Safest option among southeast Minnesota counties
Houston County's 29.52 is lower than Goodhue County (43.32) and Grant County (2.99), positioning it as one of the most protected areas in the region. Its location in Minnesota's southeastern corner contributes to this favorable risk profile.
Flooding and tornadoes require attention
Flood risk reaches 46.02 in Houston County, likely reflecting proximity to rivers and seasonal rainfall patterns in the bluffs region. Tornadoes rank second at 41.89, making spring storm preparedness essential despite the county's overall low-risk status.
Balanced coverage meets Houston County needs
Homeowners should maintain standard coverage including tornado and windstorm protection, then evaluate flood insurance based on local topography and stream proximity. Update your insurance annually and keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container for peace of mind.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Houston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Houston County
Risk Verdict
Houston County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 30th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Houston County's favorable 30th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Houston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (9th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Houston County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 42th percentile nationally, means Houston County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Houston County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
The Minnesota county average exceeds Houston County's score by 12.9 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Houston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Houston County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Houston County?
How does Houston County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Houston County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Houston 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.