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

Meeker County Disaster Risk

Meeker County, Minnesota

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

27th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#58

of 87 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

36th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 36% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% 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 Meeker County, Minnesota

Meeker County ranks below national average

Meeker County's composite risk score of 26.97 sits well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This favorable standing reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types.

Below Minnesota's average, moderate tornado risk

Meeker County's score of 26.97 is roughly 36% lower than the state average of 42.38, though tornado risk (48.44) is somewhat elevated. Overall, the county benefits from a balanced, relatively safe hazard profile.

Lower risk than Martin and McLeod

Meeker County's tornado risk (48.44) is noticeably lower than the high-risk corridor to the south, where Martin County (68.51) and McLeod County (67.88) sit. This positions it as a safer alternative in the region.

Tornado risk tops other hazards

Tornado risk (48.44) is Meeker County's most significant natural disaster concern, followed by flood risk (36.29). Wildfire (25.95) and earthquake (5.98) risks remain minimal.

Wind coverage and flood awareness key

Meeker County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail protection for tornado damage. Those in low-lying areas should evaluate separate flood insurance.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Meeker County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    48th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    36th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    26th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Meeker County

Risk Verdict

Meeker County's overall natural disaster score at the 27th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 27th percentile, Meeker County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Meeker County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (26th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 48th percentile nationally, Meeker County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary flood hazard at the 36th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Meeker County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Meeker County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.

Regional Context

Meeker County's composite risk score sits 15.4 points below the Minnesota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Meeker 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 Meeker County, MN?
Meeker County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 27th 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 Meeker County?
Meeker County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (48th percentile), flooding (36th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 48th 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 Meeker County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Meeker County's composite risk percentile is 27th, compared to the Minnesota state average of 42th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Meeker County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Minnesota.
Is Meeker County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Meeker County's tornado risk is at the 48th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Meeker County is at the 36th 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 Meeker County a safe place to live?
Meeker County's composite risk score of 27th 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 48th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Isanti County

Minnesota

-0.1

Very Low

27th percentile

Cottonwood County

Minnesota

+0.7

Very Low

28th percentile

Mille Lacs County

Minnesota

+1.5

Very Low

28th percentile

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.

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