Martin County Disaster Risk
Martin County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Martin County, Minnesota
Martin County faces above-average risk
Martin County's composite risk score of 45.48 exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Tornado exposure is a key driver of this elevated ranking.
Above Minnesota average, tornado-heavy
Martin County's score of 45.48 tops the state average of 42.38, mainly due to its exceptionally high tornado risk (68.51). This makes it one of the more tornado-prone counties in Minnesota.
Tornado risk highest in region
Martin County's tornado risk (68.51) substantially exceeds that of McLeod County (67.88), Meeker County (48.44), and other nearby counties. It represents a notable concentration of tornado exposure in south-central Minnesota.
Tornadoes pose primary threat
Tornado risk (68.51) dominates Martin County's natural disaster profile, ranking in the upper tier statewide. Flood risk (39.31) and earthquake risk (14.79) are secondary concerns.
Storm shelter and coverage critical
Martin County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind and hail coverage to protect against tornado damage. A reinforced shelter or safe room offers additional critical protection during severe storm events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Martin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Martin County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 45th, Martin County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. The 45th percentile national ranking is one lens; Martin County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Martin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (18th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 69th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Martin 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. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 39th percentile nationally means Martin County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Martin 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
Martin County tracks the Minnesota county average closely, sitting 3.1 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Minnesota.
Is your household prepared for Martin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Martin County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Martin County?
How does Martin County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Martin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Martin 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.