McLeod County Disaster Risk
McLeod County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McLeod County, Minnesota
McLeod County faces moderate national risk
McLeod County's composite risk score of 46.60 sits slightly above the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. Tornado exposure is the primary factor elevating this score.
Slightly above state average, tornado-prone
McLeod County's score of 46.60 exceeds the state average of 42.38, primarily driven by tornado risk (67.88), among the highest in Minnesota. Flood risk (46.50) adds a secondary layer of concern.
Comparable tornado risk to Martin County
McLeod County's tornado risk (67.88) mirrors that of nearby Martin County (68.51) and both exceed Meeker County (48.44). These three counties represent a corridor of elevated tornado exposure in south-central Minnesota.
Tornadoes and floods are dual threats
Tornado risk (67.88) and flood risk (46.50) are McLeod County's top two hazards, both approaching or exceeding state averages. Wildfire risk (22.20) is comparatively minor.
Dual coverage addresses both hazards
McLeod County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind/hail damage and consider separate flood insurance for properties in vulnerable areas. A basement shelter provides critical tornado protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McLeod County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McLeod County
Risk Verdict
McLeod County ranks at the 47th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. A 47th percentile score positions McLeod County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is McLeod County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (22th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McLeod County ranks at the 68th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in McLeod County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 47th percentile nationally means McLeod County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. McLeod County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 4.2 points from the Minnesota average, making McLeod County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for McLeod County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McLeod County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect McLeod County?
How does McLeod County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is McLeod County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McLeod 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.