Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
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
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marshall County, Minnesota
Marshall County ranks below national average
Marshall County's composite risk score of 23.57 puts it well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This favorable standing reflects lower exposure compared to most U.S. counties.
Well below Minnesota's middle
At 23.57, Marshall County scores roughly 45% lower than the state average of 42.38, positioning it among the safer Minnesota counties. However, one specific hazard significantly elevates its profile.
Higher wildfire risk than area peers
Marshall County's wildfire risk (85.08) dramatically exceeds that of Mahnomen County (58.30) and other adjacent counties, making it unique in this respect. Overall composite risk remains competitive due to lower tornado and flood exposure.
Wildfire dominates Marshall County's hazard profile
Wildfire risk (85.08) is exceptionally high and represents Marshall County's defining natural disaster concern—nearly 50% higher than the state average. Flood risk (29.20) and tornado risk (19.05) are comparatively modest.
Wildfire insurance essential here
Marshall County residents, especially those near forests or grasslands, should verify that their homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage. Consider a separate policy or rider if standard coverage is limited in this high-exposure area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Marshall County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 24th percentile. At the 24th percentile nationally, Marshall County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (19th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for wildfire, Marshall County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary flood exposure at the 29th percentile nationally means Marshall County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Marshall County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Marshall County is 18.8 composite risk points below the Minnesota state mean, meaning most other Minnesota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Marshall County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marshall 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.