Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% 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 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Minnesota
Lincoln County faces very low national risk
With a composite risk score of 18.19, Lincoln County sits well below the national average and ranks in the very low category for natural disaster exposure. This means residents face fewer threats from major hazards compared to most U.S. counties.
Among Minnesota's safest counties
Lincoln County's score of 18.19 is less than half the state average of 42.38, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in Minnesota. This favorable standing reflects relatively mild exposure across most natural hazard types.
Safer than surrounding counties
Lincoln County's risk profile stands out favorably compared to nearby Marshall County (23.57) and Meeker County (26.97). The difference of roughly 5 to 8 points reflects lower tornado and flood risks in this area.
Wildfire and flood remain top threats
While overall risk is very low, wildfire risk (32.19) and flood risk (28.88) represent the county's most significant hazard exposures. Tornado risk (28.44) rounds out the top three, though all three remain below state averages.
Even low-risk counties need coverage
Lincoln County residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers wind and flood damage, particularly those in low-lying areas near water. Reviewing coverage annually ensures protection against the hazards most likely to affect the county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 18th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Lincoln County residents can take confidence from a 18th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 32th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Lincoln County's primary hazard at the 32th percentile nationally. For Lincoln County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 29th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Lincoln County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Minnesota county average, Lincoln County's composite score runs 24.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lincoln 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.