Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Minnesota
Jackson County rates well below national average
With a composite risk score of 22.42, Jackson County ranks as very low risk—substantially below the national average—placing residents in one of America's safer disaster zones. This favorable profile reflects southwestern Minnesota's moderate hazard environment.
Well-protected compared to Minnesota baseline
Jackson County's 22.42 score sits notably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, ranking among the state's safest counties. Residents enjoy significantly reduced natural disaster exposure compared to most Minnesota peers.
Safest area among southwest Minnesota counties
Jackson's 22.42 is lower than Goodhue County (43.32) and Houston County (29.52), positioning it among the region's most protected. This advantageous position reflects southwestern Minnesota's generally moderate risk landscape.
Tornadoes and flooding warrant preparedness
Tornadoes represent Jackson County's primary hazard at 41.48, a typical exposure level for southern Minnesota. Flooding ranks second at 33.24, making spring storms and heavy rainfall the seasons requiring active weather monitoring and family preparation.
Standard coverage provides solid protection
Homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage including tornado, hail, and windstorm protection, then evaluate flood insurance based on local topography and stream proximity. Update your policy annually and consider a safe room or basement shelter for enhanced family safety during spring tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 22th percentile nationally. Residents of Jackson County can use the 22th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (32th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 41th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Jackson 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 33th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Jackson County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Jackson 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
Jackson County falls 20.0 points below Minnesota's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Jackson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jackson 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.