Itasca County Disaster Risk
Itasca County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% 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 Itasca County, Minnesota
Itasca County carries above-average national risk
With a composite risk score of 76.72, Itasca County ranks as relatively low risk but substantially above the national average—placing it in a higher-exposure tier compared to most U.S. counties. This reflects significant flood and wildfire hazards concentrated in the northern landscape.
Notably elevated risk among Minnesota counties
Itasca County's 76.72 score is nearly double Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. Residents face substantially greater natural disaster exposure than most Minnesota peers.
Most exposed county in the north-central region
Itasca's 76.72 is dramatically higher than nearby Hubbard County (35.18) and Isanti County (26.91), and roughly 25 times higher than Grant County (2.99). This positions Itasca as uniquely vulnerable in the north-central landscape.
Flooding dominates, wildfire secondary threat
Flood risk reaches 75.45—among the highest in the state—reflecting Itasca County's river systems and wet landscape. Wildfire also presents substantial exposure at 44.78, creating compound hazards during spring thaw and summer dry seasons.
Flood insurance is critical for Itasca residents
Homeowners must evaluate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and check FEMA maps for property-specific risk, then secure coverage before the next major rain event. Maintain wildfire-resistant landscaping, clear gutters regularly, and ensure standard homeowners policies include windstorm coverage as dual protection strategy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Itasca County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Itasca County
Risk Verdict
Itasca County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 77th percentile across all U.S. counties. Itasca County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Itasca County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 75th percentile nationally, Itasca County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 45th percentile nationally, means Itasca County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Itasca County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 34.3 points above the Minnesota state average puts Itasca County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Itasca County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Itasca County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Itasca County?
How does Itasca County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Itasca County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Itasca 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.