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

Lac qui Parle County Disaster Risk

Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

19th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#70

of 87 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 8% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota

Lac qui Parle is exceptionally safe

At 18.80, Lac qui Parle County's composite risk score earns a Very Low rating and sits far below typical national disaster exposure. The county enjoys notably low natural hazard risk across the board.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Lac qui Parle's 18.80 score ranks it in the bottom 10% of Minnesota counties by risk, less than half the state average of 42.38. Only Kanabec and Kittson counties present comparable safety.

Comparable to area peers

Lac qui Parle (18.80) rivals nearby Kanabec County (21.31) and Le Sueur County (22.81) as one of the region's lowest-risk areas. All three offer excellent natural hazard safety compared to state norms.

Risk is broadly distributed

Tornado risk (29.96), wildfire risk (29.68), and flood risk (25.57) are nearly equal in Lac qui Parle, each representing modest concerns. No single hazard dominates the county's profile.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

With exceptionally low overall risk, standard homeowners insurance should provide adequate protection for most residents. Verify that your policy includes sump pump coverage and consider flood insurance if you're in a mapped zone.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lac qui Parle County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    30th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    30th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    26th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Lac qui Parle County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Lac qui Parle County ranks at the 19th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 19th percentile, Lac qui Parle County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Lac qui Parle County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (26th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado exposure at the 30th percentile nationally makes Lac qui Parle County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 30th percentile nationally means Lac qui Parle County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Lac qui Parle County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.

Regional Context

At 23.6 points below the Minnesota state average, Lac qui Parle County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle County, MN?
Lac qui Parle County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 19th 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 Lac qui Parle County?
Lac qui Parle County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), flooding (26th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 30th 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 Lac qui Parle County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Lac qui Parle County's composite risk percentile is 19th, compared to the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Lac qui Parle County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Minnesota.
Is Lac qui Parle County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Lac qui Parle County's tornado risk is at the 30th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Lac qui Parle County is at the 26th percentile.
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.
Is Lac qui Parle County a safe place to live?
Lac qui Parle County's composite risk score of 19th percentile is below the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 30th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.